Iran Claims Responsibility for Striking Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for striking an oil tanker trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The Togo-flagged vessel, called Trend, was allegedly attacked due to what Iran described as an 'illegal attempt' to transit the strait.

The incident occurred in an area where the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a 'security incident' involving a vessel 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman. The crew of the Trend was reportedly safe and there was no environmental impact, according to the UKMTO.

Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched attacks in February. The US military has been escorting some commercial ships through the strait off Oman as a result of the ongoing tensions.