The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that last night two oil tankers attempted to use an unauthorized route in the southern Strait of Hormuz, encouraged by US aircraft. After a severe fire broke out on one of the tankers, both vessels turned back, according to N12. The IRGC also warned that the 'aggressor will be punished today' and that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as it perceives provocation and threats from American entities, threatening a harsh response to any country aiding the aggressor.
The IRGC statement, reported by N12 early Thursday, provides the first detailed account of a confrontation in the southern Strait of Hormuz overnight. The IRGC claimed that two oil tankers, encouraged by U.S. aircraft, attempted to traverse an 'unsafe route' in the area it controls. A fire broke out on one of the tankers, prompting both to turn back. The IRGC reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz is its territory and that its navy controls it effectively. In a separate statement, the IRGC warned that the 'aggressor will be punished today' and that the Strait will remain closed as long as it perceives provocations and threats from American entities. It also threatened a harsh response to any country aiding the aggressor. The Zioneer reported earlier this morning that the IRGC had issued a similar warning, but the new statement adds specific details about the tanker incident, which appears to have occurred last night. The incident underscores ongoing tensions over the strategic waterway, which the IRGC has previously declared closed to uncoordinated traffic.
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