Iran's Revolutionary Guard Strikes Tanker, Threatens Ships Beyond the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Friday, 9 October, that it attacked an oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments normally pass. The IRGC also warned that it would now go after vessels it considers in violation not only in the strait but throughout the wider region. The strait has been effectively closed since the war began on 28 February.

The tanker attack

The IRGC Navy says it targeted the engine room and propulsion system of the MV Sun Shine, a tanker belonging to the company Natwit. According to the Guard, the vessel tried to use an unauthorised route through the southern part of the strait. A fire broke out on board.

The statement said companies accused of co-operating with the US would be sanctioned and all of their ships targeted. The IRGC placed responsibility for the incidents on the US military, accusing Washington of interfering in the decisions of shipping and insurance companies and of paying "large bribes".

Tehran's Friday prayer leader, Mohammad Javad Ali-Akbari, told his sermon that the strait would stay closed until Iran's "seven conditions" were fully met. He also claimed Iran's strategy had shifted from defence to offence.

US Central Command's claims

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had cleared the main shipping lanes of naval mines and declared them open to all vessels not in breach of US maritime sanctions against Iran. According to CENTCOM, thousands of commercial ships have passed through safely.

Other incidents in the Gulf

The UK Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) reported that an LPG carrier was hit by unknown projectiles on Friday morning, 13 nautical miles west of Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates. A major fire broke out and was later brought under control. The day before, UKMTO reported that an oil tanker north of Qatari waters was struck by several projectiles, causing casualties, in the first such attack in six months.

According to media reports, at least 12 attacks, attempted attacks or harassment incidents against oil tankers and gas carriers were recorded in the strait between 28 September and 5 October, the highest weekly figure since the war began. The latest data show that oil exports from regional countries other than Iran have returned to pre-war levels in recent days.