Iranian state television reported that seven oil tankers were either struck in attacks or hit naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz overnight on Thursday, October 22, 2026. If verified, this incident would represent the largest single-day number of vessels damaged in the strategic waterway since the conflict began on February 28 following joint U.S. strikes against Iran.
Citing a statement from the Revolutionary Guard's navy, the report indicated that four of the tankers were actively transferring oil when they were targeted and caught fire. An additional three vessels were damaged and immobilized after striking naval mines. The broadcast did not disclose information regarding potential casualties or the nationalities of the affected ships.
In the same statement, the Revolutionary Guard issued a warning that any American efforts to facilitate the transit of oil tankers through unauthorized corridors in the strait could prompt the organization to broaden its retaliatory actions to include United States military bases across the region. Throughout the conflict, the Revolutionary Guard has routinely launched attacks on U.S. installations in Gulf nations.