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Two oil tankers hit in Strait of Hormuz

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 5:05 PM UTC · How we work

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US rejects mine claim

The Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, caught fire and later towed to an Omani port.
U.S. Central Command rejected Iran’s mine claim, saying the tanker was hit by an Iranian missile and a drone.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported 23 crew rescued and two still missing after the fire.
Iran announced a restricted zone from the strait into the Gulf, raising undersea cable concerns.

Right

IRGC Threatens Vessels

A Togo-flagged oil tanker, Trend, was struck, caught fire and stopped 16 nm northeast of Khasab, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said the strike hit a vessel it deemed illegally passing after U.S. provocation, warning any such ship would be destroyed.
UK Maritime Trade Operations said all crew members were safe.
Authorities said no environmental damage was confirmed.

History

Historical Context

On 14 April 1988 the U.S. frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts hit an Iranian mine during Operation Earnest Will, prompting the 18 April 1988 Operation Praying Mantis that sank two Iranian frigates and disabled two oil platforms. The raid, ordered under President Ronald Reagan, helped force Iran toward a July cease-fire, a precedent echoed today as U.S. forces strike the Panama-flagged El Gaia and Togo-flagged Trend.

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US rejects mine claim

The Panama-flagged oil tanker El Gaia was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, caught fire and later towed to an Omani port.
U.S. Central Command rejected Iran’s mine claim, saying the tanker was hit by an Iranian missile and a drone.
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre reported 23 crew rescued and two still missing after the fire.
Iran announced a restricted zone from the strait into the Gulf, raising undersea cable concerns.

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