Tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz escalated on Saturday after a UK maritime monitoring body reported that two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats fired on a commercial tanker in the region. Despite the incident, the vessel and its crew were confirmed to be safe, according to officials.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre stated that the tanker’s captain reported being approached by two Iranian gunboats approximately 37 kilometres northeast of Oman. According to the report, the vessels did not issue any radio warning before opening fire on the tanker. Authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident to determine the full circumstances and intent behind the engagement.
The development comes amid renewed tensions over navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Iranian military authorities said on Saturday that control over the strait had returned to “strict management and control” by armed forces, following a reversal of earlier indications that the waterway could be reopened for transit.
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Iran’s joint military command warned that restrictions on the strait would remain in place until the United States lifts what it described as a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The statement also emphasized that freedom of movement for vessels would not be restored unless Washington changes its current policy stance.
The situation escalated further after US President Donald Trump reportedly stated that the naval blockade against Iran would continue “in full force” until Tehran agrees to a broader diplomatic settlement, including discussions on its nuclear programme. The exchange of statements between both sides has heightened concerns over maritime security in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil transit routes in the world, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies. Any disruption in the passage has historically had immediate effects on global energy markets, and previous tensions in the area have led to sharp fluctuations in crude oil prices. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as investigations into the latest incident proceed.
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