Iranian naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired upon a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to UKMTO reports, with no casualties reported.
Iranian Attack on Tanker Confirmed
Iranian naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) opened fire on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported Saturday, citing information from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency.
The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles (about 37 km) north of the Omani coast. Two armed Iranian vessels reportedly approached the ship and fired shots in its direction. The tanker’s captain reported that both the vessel and its crew are safe.
Iran Issues Tanker Warnings
Several commercial vessels in the region received radio messages from the Iranian army on Saturday warning that the Strait of Hormuz was once again closed to navigation. Crews were instructed not to use the waterway.
Escalating Rhetoric from Iran
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Chamenei, declared via Telegram on the same day that the Iranian fleet is prepared to “inflict further defeats on enemies.”
Brief Respite in Strait of Hormuz
On Friday, Iranian authorities announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels for the duration of the truce in the war with the USA and Israel, until Tuesday evening (April 21st). U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the opening of the waterway, while simultaneously announcing the continuation of a blockade of Iranian ports until a final agreement is reached.
Threats of Reclosure
Mohammad Bager Ghalibaf, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament, threatened in response to Washington’s position that Tehran would again close the Strait if the United States does not lift the naval blockade of Iran.
Iran Reasserts Control
On Saturday morning, the Iranian army announced that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had “returned to its previous state,” and that the armed forces had taken “strict control” of the waterway.
Iran Accuses US of Violating Agreements
“Following earlier agreements, the Islamic Republic of Iran agreed, in good faith, to allow a limited number of tankers and commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in a controlled manner. Unfortunately, the Americans, notoriously breaking promises, continue to engage in banditry and piracy under the guise of the so-called blockade,” the Iranian army stated in a statement cited by Tasnim News Agency.
(PAP)
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