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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday that two oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz with what it described as U.S. encouragement turned back overnight after one caught fire, as the IRGC warned the strait "cannot be reopened while U.S. 'threats' continue," and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a new wave of strikes on Iran.
"Last night, two oil tankers, encouraged by American aircraft, attempted to leave through the unsafe southern route of the Strait of Hormuz," the Guards said in a statement.
"After a major fire broke out on one of them, both vessels quickly turned back," the statement added.
The IRGC did not identify the tankers by name, flag, or operator, nor did it provide details on casualties or damage.
The IRGC said: "The Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened as long as the bluster and threats of US officials and their interference in maritime movements in the region continue," warning that continued "threats and interference" would make the situation "more difficult and complicated."
The statement said: "The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and the IRGC Navy firmly controls it," adding that no outside power "coming from thousands of kilometers away" would be allowed to interfere.
The IRGC also said in its statement, according to a fuller translation, "With the help of Allah, the aggressor will be punished this very day," and separately warned, "Countries that participate in assisting the aggressor, if they do not correct their behavior, will receive a harsh response."
Iran has maintained effective control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war began Feb. 28 and has insisted that ships transiting the waterway cross through a route it designates after requesting permission and paying service fees.
The U.S. concluded Wednesday night's strikes against Iran at around 10 p.m. ET, U.S. Central Command said.
"CENTCOM assets struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities. The strikes aimed to further diminish threats posed by Iran and its proxies to American forces, commercial shipping, and neighboring Gulf countries," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.
"On July 28, IRGC forces launched multiple ballistic missiles from Iran in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces based in the Middle East. All Iranian missiles were successfully intercepted," the statement added.
"More than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed to the Middle East and remain highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready," CENTCOM noted.
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