Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockade

The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point in the escalating tensions between Iran and other nations. The Islamic Republic's Revolutionary Guards said they struck an oil tanker sailing under the Togolese flag, citing an 'illegal passage' through the vital waterway.

The incident occurred on Friday, with state news agency IRNA reporting that the Togo-flagged oil tanker 'Trend' had been targeted and detained after a fire broke out on board.

Iran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait since the United States and Israel struck Iran in late February. Tehran wants to charge tolls for passage, attacking ships it accuses of attempting to circumvent its preferred route.