The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported a critical maritime incident in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement on Friday, it said that two oil tankers attempting to cross the strait under US military air escort were struck and stopped.
The IRGC stated that it intercepted the vessels, which it described as "non-compliant oil tankers," and that the other four tankers rapidly changed course and returned to their previous positions. The IRGC claimed that the tankers were attempting to cross the strait via a US-backed alternative route instead of Tehran's official shipping channel, calling it an "undeclared route."
No details were provided on the identity, flag, potential casualties or damage to the targeted tankers. No statement has yet been made by the US or the vessels' operators.
Similar Claim a Day Earlier
The incident came after a similar statement from the IRGC on Thursday, when it claimed that a fire broke out on one of two oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz, forcing the ships to turn back.
Regional Tensions and Control
Connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas trade. Iran has effectively controlled navigation in the strait since the conflict that began on February 28. Commercial vessels must obtain permission from Iran and pay a transit fee before entering the waterway.
Tehran opposes the use of alternative routes that are backed by the US and fall outside its designated channel. The latest encounter once again highlighted the persistent risk that regional military activities and navigation restrictions pose to international shipping.
