Two tankers caught fire after allegedly striking mines while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, in an incident that has further heightened tensions in one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.
In a statement, the Revolutionary Guards claimed the vessels had been travelling outside a route designated by Iranian forces.
According to the statement, the two ships requested permission from the US military to use what Iran described as an "illegal route" before:
"Striking mines and exploding ... they are currently burning."
The Revolutionary Guards further alleged that the vessels had disembarked their crews and had come under the control of American personnel despite warnings from Iranian naval forces about the risks associated with navigating through what they described as a mined route.
Saudi company confirms fatalities
Saudi state-owned shipping company Bahri confirmed that two Filipino sailors were killed during the incident.
In a statement posted on X, the company said:
"Bahri confirms that the vessel Sidr was involved in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz"
on the night of 31 August.
The company also confirmed the deaths of two crew members following the incident.
Statement Regarding the “SIDR” Vessel pic.twitter.com/7lDt0IZFnh
— Bahri | البحري (@OneBahri) September 2, 2026
Cause of incident remains disputed
The Revolutionary Guards' version of events has not been independently verified, and no further details have been provided regarding the origin of the alleged mines or the circumstances under which the ships entered the reported area.
The incident comes amid growing regional tensions and increasing security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil exports passes.
