The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that its naval forces hit and stopped two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated the incident occurred early Friday morning.
According to the IRGC, the two tankers were using what the group described as an 'illegal and unsafe' undeclared route. The IRGC alleged the tankers attempted the transit under US military air cover and as a result of US 'deception,' while ignoring Iranian warnings.
The IRGC further stated that four other tankers quickly changed course and returned to their original location following the incident. The group maintained that Iran holds full control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned that necessary steps would be taken against US military interventions in regional maritime traffic.
The IRGC also issued a statement regarding US Central Command (CENTCOM), advising shipping and insurance companies to disregard CENTCOM's statements.
On Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that its forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM also stated that US forces disabled and boarded four commercial vessels 'to ensure full compliance.'
CENTCOM rejected IRGC claims regarding the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the primary threat to civilian crews in the area remains the actions of the IRGC. As of the IRGC's announcement, no statement had been made by US authorities regarding the specific incident on Friday.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated in recent weeks. This follows what the Iranian authorities described as US strikes on Iran and subsequent responses from Tehran targeting what it identifies as US military facilities and equipment across the region.