Iranian gunboats have fired upon a tanker navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after the Iranian military announced intentions to close the strait due to “repeated breaches of trust.” The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that two vessels from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the tanker, although the crew is reported safe. Details on potential damage remain unclear, and the UKMTO has not disclosed the tanker’s nationality.
This incident marks a significant shift in relations, especially as both parties appeared close to reaching an agreement that would allow safe passage through the strategically important waterway, protected by a coalition of nations supporting the US. Iran’s military has blamed the US for undermining efforts at maintaining order by citing violations of a ceasefire.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait was open for traffic, but this claim quickly shifted; state media later reported that Iranian forces would assert full oversight over shipping routes, labelling any passage invalid if the US blockade persists. US President Donald Trump reaffirmed that the naval blockade on Iranian ports remains until a concrete deal is reached.
In a concurrent development, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement asserting that the Iranian navy is prepared to inflict “new defeats” upon its adversaries, although he did not directly address the emerging tension regarding the Strait. His comments coincided with Army Day celebrations, praising the military’s steadfast defence of Iranian territories.
As tensions escalate, multiple vessels, including those carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil, have begun to retract their courses from the Strait following Iran’s reiterated restrictions on commercial shipping. Tracking indicates that vessels like the Al Ghashamiya and Sti Elysees, destined for Indian ports, are currently turning back, while some ships under US sanctions managed to navigate the strait without incident, although they remain at risk of being affected by the ongoing US blockade.
Additionally, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh responded to recent claims from Trump regarding the sequestration of enriched uranium, dismissing the rhetoric and signalling reluctance for further direct negotiations with the US. Khatibzadeh noted the US’s “maximalist position” as an obstacle to future discussions.
Despite calls for de-escalation, the situation remains precarious as the Iranian military asserts its presence in the region, prompting ships to reconsider their routes and raising concerns about the stability of international maritime traffic in one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.