Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that its naval forces intercepted two oil tankers and compelled four additional vessels to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions with the United States over security in one of the world’s busiest maritime routes.
According to an IRGC statement, the incident took place early Friday after two commercial tankers allegedly traveled through what Iran described as an unauthorized route while under U.S. air protection. The IRGC said the vessels ignored repeated navigation warnings, prompting Iranian forces to stop them. It also claimed that four other tankers altered their course and turned back after receiving similar warnings.
The announcement came shortly after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces had redirected several commercial ships and boarded others as part of operations aimed at maintaining compliance and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in the region.
CENTCOM rejected Iran’s assertions that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz had become unsafe due to U.S. actions, instead maintaining that the primary risk to commercial shipping stems from activities by the IRGC.
The latest exchange highlights growing friction between Washington and Tehran following recent military confrontations. Both sides have traded accusations over maritime security and regional stability, raising concerns about the safety of international shipping through the strategic waterway, which serves as a critical corridor for global energy supplies.
The competing claims from Iran and the United States could further heighten uncertainty in the Gulf as international observers continue to monitor developments in the region.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE