Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said four vessels changed course after being intercepted while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through what Tehran described as an illegal and unsafe route.
Tehran, Iran – Web Desk: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday that its naval forces stopped four ships attempting to transit the strategic Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours, after the vessels allegedly used what Tehran described as an illegal and unsafe route.
According to a statement carried by Iranian state television, the IRGC Navy fired warning shots before intercepting the vessels. The Guards said the ships subsequently altered their course and no further confrontation was reported.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption in the waterway is closely monitored by energy markets and governments worldwide due to its potential impact on international trade and oil prices.
The latest incident comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Gulf. Iranian authorities have recently targeted tankers navigating a shipping lane close to the Omani coast rather than passing through Iranian territorial waters. Tehran has sought to direct commercial vessels into routes under its control, where ships are required to comply with Iranian maritime regulations and, according to multiple reports, pay for safe passage.
Iran has repeatedly argued that measures taken by its naval forces are intended to ensure navigation safety and protect national security. However, several international shipping companies and Western governments have expressed concern over increased interference with commercial shipping in the region.
There were no immediate reports of damage to the vessels or injuries to crew members. The identities and nationalities of the four ships were not disclosed by Iranian authorities.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical gateway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Any escalation involving commercial shipping in the area could have broader implications for global energy supplies, freight costs, and regional security.
