Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) targeted an oil tanker named ‘Prima’ in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, as reported by the official news agency IRNA. The IRGC’s Navy drone hit the tanker after it ignored repeated warnings not to traverse the strait due to security concerns. The IRGC stated that the strategic waterway has been monitored for eight days following US-Israeli actions against Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran clarified that it has no intention of closing the Strait of Hormuz, refuting claims of a complete blockade. A senior IRGC officer dismissed reports alleging the closure, emphasizing that Iran adheres to international maritime regulations. Despite warnings that US or Israeli vessels would be targeted, Iran affirmed that the strait remains open.
Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh assured that Iran has not shut down the strait and has no immediate plans to do so. Iranian military sources reiterated that while the strait is open, warships disguised as commercial vessels would face interception. In times of conflict, Iran asserts its authority to regulate strait navigation, barring US, Israeli, and European vessels.
