Tensions Escalate! Iran Attacks Oil Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has claimed to have targeted an oil tanker flying the Togo flag in the strategic waters of the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC accused the tanker of conducting an “illegal voyage” through waters that are vital to global oil and gas supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz has been impacted by the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States since late February. Tehran has blockaded the waterway from all shipping activities and has even planned to impose transit fees.

Iranian military forces have even attacked vessels that attempt to sail through the Strait of Hormuz, which they allege are trying to bypass the shipping routes established by Tehran.

“The Togo-flagged oil tanker named ‘Trend’ has been targeted and detained after a fire broke out on board,” stated the IRGC Navy, as reported by the IRNA news agency, via AFP and Anadolu Agency, on Friday (18/09/2026).

In its statement, the IRGC claimed that the oil tanker, sailing on Thursday (17/09) night, “intended to pass illegally through the Strait of Hormuz after being incited and deceived by the child-killing US military.”

The IRGC emphasised that its forces maintain control over the strategic waterway and will intercept any force they deem an “aggressor.”

They also issued a renewed warning to ship owners and their crews.

“Illegal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz will result in nothing but destruction for violating vessels,” the IRGC asserted.

So far, there has been no independent verification regarding Iran’s claims of an attack in the Strait of Hormuz. The current status of the tanker in question, including the reported fire on board, remains unclear.

The IRGC’s statement did not mention the cargo, the crew, or the possibility of casualties, nor whether the vessel is still afloat.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a maritime security operation managed by the British Navy, reported on Thursday (17/09) that a “security incident occurred in the Strait of Hormuz, 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.”

UKMTO did not provide details regarding the vessels involved in the incident. It remains unclear whether the incident involves the same ship mentioned in the IRGC’s statement.