TEHRAN (The COW News Digital ) Tensions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that it had targeted two US vessels and eight oil tankers in the vital waterway.
Iranian state media reported that the IRGC said the vessels were targeted in an area that Tehran had previously designated as “prohibited and unsafe.” The claim comes amid a sharp escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States, raising fresh concerns over maritime security and the movement of commercial vessels through the region.
Details regarding the alleged attacks, including the extent of any damage to the targeted vessels, were not immediately available. There was also no independent confirmation of the Iranian claim at the time of reporting.
The latest development follows an earlier announcement by the US military that five Iranian oil tankers had been destroyed. Iran had subsequently warned that it would respond to the action, adding to concerns that the confrontation could widen beyond direct military targets.
Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly declined as tensions continue to rise. On Tuesday, only six commercial vessels were recorded passing through the strategic waterway, compared with an average of around 12 vessels per day during the previous 10 days.
The reduction in maritime traffic highlights the growing uncertainty facing shipping companies operating in one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Any prolonged disruption in the area could have broader consequences for international trade and energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical route for global oil shipments. A significant portion of the world’s seaborne energy trade passes through the waterway, making any security threat there a matter of international concern.
Iran’s latest claim to have targeted both US and commercial vessels could further heighten fears among shipping operators and energy traders. However, the absence of immediate independent verification means the full circumstances surrounding the reported incidents remain unclear.
Analysts and international observers are closely watching developments in the region as the United States and Iran continue their confrontation. Further incidents involving military or commercial vessels could increase pressure on global shipping routes and potentially affect oil supplies and prices.
For now, uncertainty remains over the reported attacks, while the decline in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz signals the growing impact of the escalating tensions on regional maritime activity.
