The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that an oil tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz and that the strait is now completely closed. The claim is based on a single IRGC statement and has not been independently verified.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement on Thursday morning claiming that an oil tanker has caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway is now 'completely closed.' The statement, which The Zioneer has not been able to independently verify, marks the latest in a series of IRGC claims about the strait today.
Earlier today, at 02:58 Jerusalem, the IRGC first announced that it had struck an oil tanker in the strait. Shortly after, it claimed that two tankers had turned back and a third had caught fire. By 02:58 Jerusalem, the IRGC also stated that no tanker would be allowed to pass through the strait without coordination with Tehran. All of these claims have relied solely on IRGC sources, with no independent corroboration from maritime tracking services, government officials, or other news organizations.
The IRGC's latest escalation is part of a broader pattern of threats and claims regarding the Strait of Hormuz over recent weeks. As The Zioneer has reported, the IRGC has previously announced closures of the strait citing Iran's World Cup disqualification, foreign intervention, and ties to Israel; it has taken responsibility for attacks on tankers; and it has warned against using alternative routes. The current claims come amid heightened tensions in the region.
The identity of the tanker, the cause of the fire, and any casualties remain unknown. The claim of a total closure has not been confirmed by any independent source. The situation remains unclear, and The Zioneer is continuing to monitor developments.
4 developments
- StrongIRGC says two oil tankers disabled, engulfed in massive fire after unsafe Strait of Hormuz crossing
- StrongIran's IRGC asserts full control of Strait of Hormuz, threatens force on unauthorized vessels
- StrongIRGC says energy export routes in the region hit, Strait of Hormuz to remain closed
- DevelopingIRGC announces temporary closure of Strait of Hormuz, citing 'foreign intervention'
Source and signal
- Internal intake