Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Intercepts Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claimed to have intercepted and stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy trade. According to IRGC, the vessels ignored repeated warnings and allegedly violated navigation regulations. The military did not specify the tankers' ownership or nationalities.

The incident comes as tensions between Iran and the United States remain high following months of military confrontation. The US has carried out strikes on Iranian targets, while Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks against what it claims are US military facilities and assets.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy chokepoint, carrying around one-fifth of global oil trade. Any disruption to commercial shipping through the passage can quickly affect global energy markets, insurance costs, and international trade.