Iranian state media has released footage it claims shows two oil tankers burning in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after attempting to navigate what Tehran describes as an “unauthorized” shipping route. According to statements attributed to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, one vessel allegedly struck a naval mine and caught fire, while the second reportedly suffered an explosion during an attempted passage through a restricted corridor. Iranian outlets have characterized the ships as “offending” tankers, accusing them of violating navigation restrictions imposed by Iranian forces. The published video features night-vision-style imagery, targeting graphics and distant fire visible across the water, accompanied by Iranian military branding. The IRGC also claimed that the second vessel had been operating with support from U.S. military fighter jets, although no immediate independent confirmation of that assertion was available. Iranian authorities have not publicly identified the tankers, their operators or their flags, leaving important questions about the incidents unanswered.

The latest announcement comes amid repeated Iranian claims of tanker fires, explosions and mine strikes in the waterway over recent weeks, raising further concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Similar allegations have been reported by international media, but key details surrounding several incidents—including vessel identities, the precise causes of the fires and the extent of the damage—have remained independently unverified. The United States has previously disputed Iranian claims about mines in the strait, while maritime reporting has documented separate vessel incidents involving fires and suspected attacks. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy transit routes, carrying roughly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids consumption and playing a major role in international oil and gas supplies. Any sustained disruption could affect shipping costs, energy markets and the movement of fuel to importing countries. For now, the footage and the IRGC's account underscore the escalating maritime tensions, but independent confirmation will be essential to establish exactly what happened to the two tankers.