Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday that its naval forces carried out a missile strike on a U.S.-linked oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. According to statements reported by Iranian state media, the vessel was struck and caught fire. Independent confirmation of the incident has not been provided, and U.S. officials had not publicly verified the claim at the time of reporting.
In its statement, the IRGC warned that during wartime conditions, maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be controlled by Iran. The narrow waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for energy supplies, with a significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it.
The reported strike comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent military activity involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. In recent weeks, airstrikes and missile launches have been reported across several parts of the Middle East, including attacks targeting military facilities and infrastructure in multiple countries.
Disruptions in the Gulf have also affected international shipping. Several global carriers, including Maersk and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, have reportedly paused or rerouted some shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts say continued instability in the region could influence global energy markets and supply chains, particularly for countries that rely heavily on oil shipments from the Gulf.