Iran's Revolutionary Guard Navy (IRGC) responded on April 19, 2026, to the US Navy opening fire on an Iranian commercial ship near the Sea of Oman. According to Mehr News Agency, US forces opened fire to force the Iranian ship to turn back during the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and control of commercial vessels in the region. IRGC rapid response units supported the Iranian ship, forcing the US Navy to withdraw from the area. Iran considers this US action a provocation that escalates tensions in the region. The incident points to rising tensions over the control of commercial ships and regional security in the Strait of Hormuz.