WANA (Jul 31) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Public Relations Department announced that its naval forces struck and halted two non-compliant oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz early today under U.S. military escort, while four other tankers reversed course.

 

According to the official statement, the vessels ignored repeated warnings and attempted to navigate through an unauthorized route, allegedly acting under instructions from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

 

The IRGC noted that following the strike on the two tankers, four accompanying vessels immediately altered direction and returned to their points of origin.

 

Reiterating its assertion of full control over the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC Navy issued a warning to global shipping and insurance companies against relying on CENTCOM directives, stating that any unauthorized U.S. naval interference in regional maritime corridors will face immediate military responses.

 

Additionally, the IRGC declared that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and transit through it is only possible with their coordination, dismissing CENTCOM’s claims that traffic is flowing smoothly under U.S. escort as false.