Attack on Trend Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz: Iran Claims Responsibility

Iran declared that it attacked a Togo-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessel attempted what it called an 'illegal passage.'

In a statement released by the official news agency IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy stated that the vessel had been 'incited and deceived' by the United States armed forces and was subsequently hit while attempting to cross the waterway overnight.

'Last night, the offending Togo-flagged oil tanker Trend intended to pass illegally through the Strait of Hormuz after being incited and deceived by the child-killing American army,' the statement said.

'It was hit and detained after a fire broke out on board,' it added.

The Revolutionary Guard Navy affirmed that its sailors still maintain control of the strategic channel and will block any force it describes as an aggressor.

It also reiterated a warning to shipowners and crews.

'Illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz will achieve nothing but the destruction of the offending vessel,' the naval force stated.

There was no immediate independent verification of the reported attack, the fire, or the status of the oil tanker.

The statement did not provide information on the cargo, crew, possible injuries, or whether the vessel remained afloat.

For their part, U.S. military authorities did not immediately comment on this latest declaration.