Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported that two oil tankers struck naval mines and caught fire while attempting to traverse the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz. The incident took place overnight, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the Guards, who asserted that the vessels were using unauthorized routes without Tehran’s permission. Both tankers were left ablaze and unable to continue their voyages.

The Revolutionary Guards have increasingly targeted shipping near the Omani coast in recent weeks, especially along routes Tehran considers illegal. This escalation follows the outbreak of a wider Middle East conflict earlier this year, which began on February 28 with coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, resulting in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and senior military figures.

Since then, Iran has sought to assert control over the strategic waterway by demanding that all ships obtain permission before passing through the strait, a key chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies move during peacetime. The United States has responded by imposing a counter-blockade on Iranian ports and increasing naval escorts for civilian vessels along the contested southern route, in an effort to maintain the flow of oil and liquefied natural gas.

The tensions have led to increased incidents in the waterway. Alongside the mine strikes, the Revolutionary Guards also reported shooting down an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, further intensifying the confrontation. Attacks on vessels have become more frequent in recent days amid this ongoing contest over control and navigation rights.

Oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Industry data indicate that crude oil exports have partially recovered to about 82% of pre-war levels, while exports of refined petroleum products such as petrol have lagged further behind at approximately 44%. Reports from shipping analysts noted a slight decrease in vessel transits the previous week, particularly impacting tankers and liquefied gas carriers.

Analysts suggest Iran’s campaign in the Strait of Hormuz aims to pressure the United States, notably ahead of the U.S. midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 3, by driving up global energy prices. Despite a modest recovery in trade volume compared to the most intense period of the conflict, the situation remains fragile, with ongoing military actions and contested passage rights continuing to impede maritime traffic through one of the world’s most crucial maritime corridors.