Iran claims tanker interceptions in Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said its naval forces intercepted two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz early Friday and compelled four additional vessels to change course after they allegedly failed to comply with Iranian warnings. The announcement came as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise over maritime security in one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, with both sides issuing conflicting statements about recent naval operations.

IRGC outlines operation

In a statement, the IRGC claimed the two tankers were sailing along what it described as an "undeclared route" while under US air protection when they ignored instructions issued by Iranian forces. According to the statement, the vessels were subsequently "hit and stopped," while four other tankers turned back after receiving warning messages from Iranian authorities.

The IRGC also urged shipping companies and marine insurers to disregard recent statements issued by the US military, arguing that its own navigation warnings should be taken seriously.

Conflicting accounts from Washington

The Iranian statement followed comments by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), which said on Thursday that American forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels and boarded four others as part of maritime enforcement operations. CENTCOM also rejected Iranian claims that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz had become unsafe, maintaining that the principal threat to commercial shipping stems from IRGC activities in the region.

The US military has not publicly confirmed Iran's claims regarding the two tankers.

Strategic waterway remains under scrutiny

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical maritime corridor linking the Persian Gulf to international markets, with a significant share of global oil exports passing through the narrow passage each day. Recent exchanges between Washington and Tehran have intensified following US strikes on Iranian targets and Iran's subsequent claims of attacks against US military assets across the region.

As both sides continue to release competing narratives, the latest incident highlights ongoing concerns over freedom of navigation and the potential impact of regional tensions on international energy supplies and commercial shipping.