World

Four Oil Tankers Destroyed After Striking Mines in Strait of Hormuz

By AFP

Four oil tankers caught fire after striking naval mines while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps said on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The statement, quoted by state TV, said the vessels were non‑compliant and were destroyed after hitting the mines, with the ships still burning. Two other non‑compliant ships or vessels were also halted. The Guards added that they had shot down a drone over the strait. Tehran maintains that it controls the Hormuz passage, a key global energy route, and has targeted vessels that cross without its authorization since the war began. The conflict, sparked by U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran in February, has remained at a stalemate for months. Indirect contact between the United States and Iran through mediators has continued with little progress toward a diplomatic breakthrough. Iran has said it is ready to reopen the strait only if Washington meets a long‑standing list of demands. Tehran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated the Islamic Republic was “ready for battle with its finger on the trigger,” while President Masoud Pezeshkian said his government was attempting to resolve the crisis “through dialogue.” Mr. Pezeshkian added on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, that “no one will benefit from this war” if fighting resumes.