Iran Strikes Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
Tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate as Iran claims it struck an oil tanker attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state broadcaster, the Revolutionary Guard Corps said that the Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend was targeted on Thursday night due to its 'illegal attempt' to pass through the strait without authorization.
The warning from the Guard's navy is clear: any vessel attempting to pass through the strait without permission will face 'destruction'. This comes as Tehran has asserted control over much of the waterway since the US and Israel launched a war in February.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people rallied in Tehran in support of the government, marking the largest show of unity since the conflict began. The rally saw participants carrying rifles and toy guns, with chants of 'Death to America' and 'Death to Israel' echoing through the streets.