Iran Claims Strike on Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed to have struck an oil tanker trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iran's state broadcaster, the Togo-flagged vessel Trend was attacked due to what it described as an 'illegal attempt' to navigate the strait without authorization.

The Guard's navy had warned that vessels attempting to pass through the strait without permission would face 'destruction', the broadcaster said. The attack comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with the US and Israel having launched attacks against Iran in February.

A separate incident involving an unknown projectile hitting a tanker in the strait was also reported by the UKMTO, causing a fire that was later extinguished without any environmental damage. The crew's safety was not compromised in either incident.