Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a sharp statement declaring that the Strait of Hormuz is under the full control of Iranian naval forces and will remain closed until, Tehran claims, the United States ceases its activities in the region, reports infohub.kz.
The statement alleges that three oil tankers attempted to pass through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military escort. According to the IRGC, after an explosion and heavy shelling on one of the vessels, the other two turned around and left the area.
The Iranian side stated that it will not allow oil tankers to pass through the strait without coordination with the Islamic Republic. The IRGC also warned that any vessel which, in its view, attempts to pass with U.S. support could face similar consequences.
Additionally, the statement accuses the United States of threatening commercial shipping, interfering in global energy security, and provoking world energy crises. In conclusion, IRGC representatives promised to take 'punitive measures' in response to Washington's actions.
At the time of publication, there was no independent confirmation of the events described in the IRGC statement, including reports of an attack on an oil tanker. There has also been no official U.S. response to these claims.