Iran claims forces turned back three oil tankers near Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that its naval forces prevented three oil tankers from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the critical waterway through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes.
According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, the IRGC said the tankers were "provoked and tempted by the child-killing American army" and attempted to traverse what it called a "mine-laid route" south of the strait. The statement claimed that after one tanker exploded and caught fire, the other two turned back.
The IRGC did not specify when the incident occurred, and the claim could not be independently verified. The United States has not commented on the reported incident.
In recent weeks, Iran has been accused of harassing commercial vessels in the region, including stopping ships that use a route closer to the Omani coast. Tehran has denied interfering with lawful navigation, asserting its right to control traffic through the strait, which lies within its territorial waters under international law.
The strait is a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption could affect oil prices and international shipping. The IRGC statement warned that any vessel attempting to pass without coordination with Iran would face similar consequences.
This incident adds to a pattern of heightened maritime tensions in the Persian Gulf, where the US and Iran have been engaged in a standoff over oil exports and regional influence. The US Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, has increased patrols in the area.
International shipping companies and insurers have been closely monitoring the situation, with some vessels altering routes or seeking naval escorts. The UN and other maritime bodies have called for restraint and adherence to international law.
