A tanker faced an attack from two gunboats belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the vicinity of Oman, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre. The incident involved the gunboats approaching the tanker without any VHF challenge before opening fire, with the crew and vessel reported safe while authorities investigate.
Iran declared a return to its previous control over the Strait of Hormuz amidst the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The Iranian Armed Forces, as per a spokesman from Iran’s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, have asserted strict management and control over the strategic waterway, citing US actions as “sea robbery” and “piracy” leading to the restoration of previous control.
The spokesperson emphasized that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain tightly regulated until the US lifts restrictions on vessel movements to and from Iran. Following Iran’s announcement, tracking data revealed that approximately 10 ships altered course on Saturday, avoiding passage through the Strait of Hormuz in response to Iran’s renewed control over the region.
