Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the seizure of two vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, stating they were taken into Iranian waters after attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.
The IRGC said the ships were intercepted for violating maritime restrictions and were escorted to Iranian territorial waters. According to the statement, the action followed repeated warnings that any vessel approaching the strait without authorization would be considered as cooperating with an adversary and subject to targeting.
British military officials confirmed the incident, reporting that Iran had attacked two ships north of Oman’s coastline. The UK assessment aligned with Tehran’s account, noting the vessels were seized in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz.
The seizure comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, as Iran has reinstated restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of failing to lift a naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels despite a ceasefire agreement.
IRGC officials reiterated that only ships paying fees for passage would be granted priority access to the waterway, while others attempting to transit without clearance would face interception or worse.
The developments underscore the fragility of regional maritime security, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a flashpoint due to its critical role in global oil shipments and ongoing geopolitical strain between Iran and Western powers.
