IRGC warns US after tanker fire in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy issued a statement on Wednesday warning the United States after an oil tanker caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz. According to statement number 43, three oil tankers were "incited and tempted by the child-killing American army" to use a mined route in the strategic waterway. One of the vessels suffered an explosion and a heavy fire, while the other two immediately reversed course and retreated. No details on the crew or the extent of damage were provided.

The IRGC stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is "under our control" and remains fully closed as long as American "mischief" continues in the region. "No tanker will enter or exit without coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran," the statement said, adding that any ship deceived by Washington into trying to pass would meet the same fate.

The IRGC warned the United States to stop endangering commercial vessels and playing with global energy security, saying that continued interventions would bring only "more discredit and an irreparable defeat that you will soon taste." It also said a punitive operation would be carried out for the latest violation.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, and Iran has previously threatened to close it in response to tensions with the US. According to Mehr News Agency, the IRGC's warning comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over various regional issues.