LNG Tanker Explodes After Hitting Mine in Strait of Hormuz

Incident

A tanker carrying liquefied natural gas struck a naval mine and exploded in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, November 13, 2026. Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy said the vessel was on an unauthorised and dangerous route. No details on the ship’s name or owner were released.

Ongoing Threats

Iranian media said four oil tankers were hit by explosions the day before, after ignoring warnings and entering areas the authorities call restricted. Data from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy shows at least ten ships were hit in the first ten days of November, following 37 attacks in October – the highest monthly count since the conflict began in late February. Despite a recent rise in traffic, tankers continue to face attacks even as expectations of de‑escalation in the US‑Israeli war on Iran have pushed oil prices lower.

Context

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage that handles a large share of the world’s oil and gas shipments. Repeated incidents raise the risk of supply disruptions and can influence global energy markets.