At a Glance

• Two oil tankers turned back while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz with US military support.
• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that one vessel caught fire during the transit attempt.
• Iranian authorities reiterated that the crucial energy waterway remains closed to unpermitted traffic amid US involvement.
• The IRGC declared the strait sovereign territory and warned that access will remain restricted while American interference continues.

In a statement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said that two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz with US support turned back after one of the vessels caught fire.

---

Key Statements and Focus Area

• Iranian authorities reiterated that ships navigating the strategic waterway must use Iran-designated maritime routes, request explicit permission, and pay service fees.
• The IRGC emphasized that the strait remains Iranian territory and stated that normal maritime movement will not resume while American threats and regional interference persist.
• Tehran has maintained strict operational control over the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of regional hostitilities on February 28.

---

"Last night, two oil tankers, encouraged by American aircraft, attempted to leave through the unsafe southern route of the Strait of Hormuz," the Guards said in a statement.

"After a major fire broke out on one of them, both vessels quickly turned back."

Iran has kept control of the Hormuz since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East on February 28.

It has since insisted that ships transiting the waterway crucial for energy trade should cross through a route designated by Iran after requesting permission and paying service fees.

FYI:

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, handling roughly a fifth of global petroleum consumption. Escalations in the waterway directly impact global energy markets, crude oil pricing, and international shipping insurance rates. Iran's assertion of authority over traffic through designated corridors highlights an ongoing effort to exercise leverage over international maritime trade routes while directly challenging US naval escort operations in the region.

Dive Deeper: Handpicked Stories for You

Follow Channel8 for continuous updates:

https://channel8.com/english/news/56433

https://channel8.com/english/news/57381

https://channel8.com/english/news/61948