IRGC reports attack on two tankers in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran (IRGC) claimed that its naval forces struck and detained two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while four others turned back after receiving Iranian warnings.

In a statement, the IRGC noted that the incident occurred early Friday, July 31, when two oil tankers were transiting what it described as an "undeclared route" under US air escort and ignored Iran's warnings.

The two vessels were "struck and detained," while four others "quickly changed course and returned to their point of origin," the entity indicated.

"Last night, in response to the false statement by the United States Central Command (Centcom), we informed all shipping and insurance company owners not to pay attention to Centcom's communiqués," the IRGC added.

Previously, on Thursday, July 30, the United States Central Command stated that US forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels and had immobilized and boarded four others "to ensure their full compliance."

Centcom also rejected the IRGC's claims that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe, noting that the main threat to civilian crews remains the actions of the IRGC itself.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated in recent weeks, with the United States carrying out attacks in Iran and Tehran responding by attacking what it claims are US military facilities and equipment throughout the region.