Iran's IRGC Claims Third Supertanker Struck in Hormuz in 48 Hours
Iran's IRGC navy says a third supertanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz in two days, escalating a drone campaign targeting oil shipping near Oman.
Developing story — this page will be updated as information becomes available.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said Monday it had struck a third supertanker in the Strait of Hormuz in two days, with the vessel catching fire, in what amounts to a sustained naval interdiction campaign against oil shipping through one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
What We Know
The IRGC Navy statement, cited by Anadolu Agency and reported by Middle East Monitor, said the targeted vessel was described as “offending” before it was struck and caught fire. The IRGC has used the same “offending” designation across all three reported incidents, indicating Tehran is framing the strikes as enforcement actions under its self-declared maritime authority rather than random attacks.
Al Jazeera published video footage showing plumes of black smoke rising from the Petro Dolphin, an oil tanker struck by a drone off the coast of Oman. It was not immediately confirmed whether the Petro Dolphin is one of the three supertankers referenced in the IRGC statement or a separate incident.
Oil prices rose approximately 2 percent Monday to their highest level in nearly two weeks, with traders citing compounding Middle East supply risks, according to OilPrice.com.
What We Don’t Know
The flag states, owners, and cargoes of the three targeted vessels have not been independently confirmed. No information is available on crew casualties or whether any ship has sunk or been abandoned. The relationship between the burning Petro Dolphin and the IRGC’s third-vessel claim has not been established. This story is developing.
Context
A drone strike on an oil tanker near Sohar, Oman was reported earlier today, marking the first publicly confirmed Hormuz incident in this cycle. Three supertanker strikes in 48 hours, if verified, would represent one of the most sustained naval interdiction campaigns in the strait since the tanker war of the 1980s.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20 percent of global oil supply. Iran has previously used seizures and strikes against vessels it designates as “offending” to signal displeasure during diplomatic standoffs, most recently in 2019 and 2023. Simultaneous pressure on Saudi airports from Houthi drone and missile fire, reported earlier this cycle, compounds the regional supply risk picture.
What to Watch
- A response from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and whether the Fifth Fleet activates convoy escort operations in the Strait.
- Independent vessel identification from maritime agencies including UKMTO and Ambrey, and any distress signals logged by Lloyd’s.
- Whether oil prices breach the 4 percent threshold that has historically triggered calls for strategic reserve releases.
Found this useful? Share it.
