IRGC strikes two violating tankers in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Friday that it had struck two "violating" oil tankers attempting to pass though the strategic Strait of Hormuz under the "air escort" of the US military.
The IRGC said the "non-compliant oil tankers... were struck and brought to a halt, while four other oil tankers quickly changed course and returned to their previous positions".
"In the early hours of today, two violating oil tankers, believing they could pass through our undeclared route under the aerial escort of the child-killing US army, ignored our warnings and proceeded along an unsafe and illegal route. They were struck and brought to a halt," the statement said.
"Four other violating oil tankers immediately changed course and returned to their previous location," it added.
Referring to a statement issued by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claiming that vessels continued to transit the strait with the support of US military forces, the IRGC said it had warned shipping companies and insurers the previous night not to rely on "false" US claims.
"The IRGC Navy once again warns that the illegal interference and orders issued by the child-killing US army to vessels in the region will not go unanswered," the statement added.
The latest incident comes a day after the IRGC declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US threats and interference in the region continue.
On Thursday, the IRGC said two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait had turned back after one caught fire.
Washington has violated the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which recognizes Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and grants it responsibility for regulating maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
The US has attempted to undermine that arrangement by creating an unauthorized maritime corridor near Omani waters, prompting Tehran to reimpose restrictions on vessels linked to aggressor states.
Iran says all navigation through the Strait must be conducted under Iranian arrangements.