Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Saturday that it attacked several U.S.-linked vessels traveling through what it described as an “unauthorized” route in the Strait of Hormuz, in retaliation for a previous U.S. attack on Iranian vessels.
According to Iran’s armed forces, the operation targeted three oil tankers allegedly attempting to cross the strait illegally, as well as three U.S. vessels stationed in the Middle East.
The IRGC also warned other ships against following what it called routes not agreed upon with Iran, saying those vessels could become targets.
The operation came after the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces had attacked three Iranian oil tankers, alleging they were part of a multimillion-dollar clandestine network that finances the IRGC and its regional allies. CENTCOM did not provide evidence for the allegation.
Tensions have intensified since U.S. forces carried out large-scale strikes Tuesday against IRGC positions in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan and Hormozgan provinces. Washington said the attacks were in response to alleged Iranian efforts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran subsequently launched a retaliatory missile and drone attack against what it described as “enemy positions” in the region.
