IRGC says it struck two oil tankers following US transit routes
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- IRGC says two oil tankers struck and halted.
- Claims vessels ignored warnings under US escort.
- Four other tankers changed course and retreated.
- IRGC warns shipping firms against US statements.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that its naval forces struck and halted two non-compliant oil tankers navigating an undeclared route under US military air escort.
According to a statement issued by the IRGC Public Relations department, the two vessels attempted to transit what the IRGC described as an unsafe and illegal route in the early hours of the morning, disregarding explicit warnings from Iranian forces.
Four accompanying tankers turn back
The IRGC statement added that four other tankers traveling in the area immediately changed course and returned to their points of departure following the strikes on the two non-compliant vessels.
Addressing shipping companies and maritime insurers, the IRGC referenced messages issued the previous evening rejecting statements from US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The IRGC advised vessel owners and insurance providers to ignore CENTCOM's guidance, suggesting they consult maritime actors involved in recent incidents regarding the security situation.
Concluding its announcement, the IRGC Navy issued a warning that illegal interventions and directives by the U.S. military to vessels operating in the region would not remain unanswered.
