Iran’s IRGC warns Strait of Hormuz is ‘closed’ as 4 tankers reportedly hit; oil flow changes

Recent reports indicate that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, forbidding passage for international vessels unless Iranian conditions are met. This warning follows a series of attacks on oil tankers in the critical waterway, intensifying regional tensions. At least four tankers have reportedly been hit since Friday, with one supertanker carrying two million barrels of crude catching fire after allegedly striking a naval mine while attempting an unauthorized route.

Further incidents include a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker that was struck by an unknown projectile off Saudi Arabia's coast, resulting in a power outage and an engine room fire, necessitating the evacuation of its crew. Another vessel was reportedly fired upon off the coast of Yemen. These events are set against a backdrop of escalating conflict in the region, which has seen a significant increase in attacks on shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz throughout October.

The heightened maritime insecurity and Iran's declaration have significantly impacted global energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for a substantial portion of the world's seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas trade, and its disruption has already contributed to soaring oil prices. These developments occur within an ongoing regional conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February 2026, leading to Iranian assertions of control over the strait and a subsequent US naval blockade and escort operations.