Three tankers change course in Hormuz after IRGC warning

Three tankers, identified as VELOS AMBER, BRAVO, and AL SHEEHANIYA, changed course in the Strait of Hormuz after receiving a warning from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, according to maritime tracking data.

AL SHEEHANIYA, a Qatari LNG carrier, turned back after entering the southern route of the strait following the warning. Maritime tracking data also confirmed the presence of VELOS AMBER and AL SHEEHANIYA in the area.

The incident indicates that the vessels' attempt to transit the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz resulted, at least for now, in their changing course and returning.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world's oil and gas supplies pass. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to US sanctions and tensions, while the US and its allies have conducted naval patrols to ensure freedom of navigation.

According to Mehr News Agency (MNA), the report did not specify the exact nature of the IRGC warning or the current locations of the tankers. The development comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over nuclear issues and regional security.