Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy confirmed early Friday, 18 September 2026, that a Togo-flagged oil tanker named 'Trend' was struck in the Strait of Hormuz the previous night, causing a fire that brought the vessel to a halt. The IRGC described the tanker as 'violating' for attempting what it termed 'illegal' passage through the strategic waterway.

What Happened

According to a statement published on the IRGC's official outlet Sepah News, the tanker 'Trend' caught fire after being struck and was subsequently stopped. The IRGC navy alleged the vessel had been 'deceived and provoked' by the US Army into attempting the crossing, and issued a stark warning that any further 'illegal' passage would lead to nothing but 'destruction.'

In a separate incident, the IRGC also confirmed that a super oil tanker identified as 'EL GAIA' exploded and caught fire after reportedly hitting naval mines while attempting to cross via what the IRGC described as the 'forbidden' southern route of the strait. Efforts to contain the blaze were reportedly futile, with the entire vessel engulfed in flames.

Iran's Wider Blockade Posture

The incidents are part of an escalating maritime confrontation that began on 28 February, when Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz by barring safe passage to vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States, following what Tehran described as joint strikes on Iranian territory. The IRGC navy reiterated on Friday that its forces remain 'in control of the Strait of Hormuz with strength' and will not permit passage by any 'aggressor.'

Insurance Warning Issued

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the body overseeing maritime traffic in the strait, issued a formal warning on social media platform X to insurance companies, protection and indemnity (P&I) clubs, and classification societies, directing them to 'refrain from providing services' to vessels on its updated list of 'violating' ships. The PGSA cautioned that non-compliance could expose these institutions to 'consequences arising from dealing with them.'

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints, through which roughly 20% of global crude oil trade passes daily. A sustained Iranian blockade or interdiction campaign risks significant disruption to global energy supplies, upward pressure on crude prices, and heightened confrontation with US Naval forces present in the region. This is not an isolated incident — the two tanker strikes within a short span signal an intensifying enforcement posture by Tehran. The IRGC's warnings to the international insurance and shipping community, if heeded, could significantly raise the operational cost of transiting the strait.