The developments came as the US military accused the IRGC of threatening commercial vessels and attempting to control navigation through the strategic waterway….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that two oil tankers attempting to leave an “unsafe route” south of the Strait of Hormuz turned back after a fire broke out on one of the vessels, as tensions with the United States over navigation through the strategic waterway continued to escalate.
In a statement carried by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, the IRGC said the incident occurred after the two tankers, which it alleged had been “provoked by American birds”, attempted to leave the route.
“Last night, two oil tankers, provoked by American birds, attempted to leave the unsafe route south of the Strait of Hormuz. After a severe fire broke out in one of them, both vessels quickly turned back,” the statement said.
The IRGC reiterated its claim of control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime oil transit routes.
“The Strait of Hormuz is our land, and the IRGC’s navy sailors have full control over it, and a stranger who has come from thousands of kilometres away will not be allowed to interfere,” it said.
The force also issued a warning directed at what it described as the “aggressor” and countries supporting it.
“With the help of God Almighty, the aggressor will be punished today,” the statement said.
“Countries involved in aiding the aggressor will receive a harsh response if they do not correct their behaviour,” it added.
The IRGC further said the Strait of Hormuz could not be reopened while American authorities continued what it described as “exaggerations and threats” and interference in maritime movements in the region.
“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened as long as the American authorities’ exaggerations and threats and their interference in maritime movements in the region continue, and threats and interference will only make the situation more difficult and complicated,” the statement said.
Addressing the Iranian public, the IRGC praised what it described as the resolve of Iranian forces.
“Your determination, will, and steadfastness on the battlefield have shattered the enemy, strengthened the ranks of the warriors of Islam, and given them new spirit and life,” it said.
The remarks came after the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) accused the IRGC of attempting to intimidate merchant vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CENTCOM alleged that the IRGC had recently threatened and attempted to attack commercial ships and civilian mariners transiting the strategic waterway. It also accused the Iranian force of trying to compel international shipping to follow routes preferred by the IRGC.
“After recently threatening and attempting to attack commercial vessels and innocent mariners transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to claim that international mariners should only use routes the IRGC prefers,” CENTCOM said.
Rejecting Tehran’s position, the US military maintained that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway governed by international maritime law.
“The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway. The IRGC has no authority to dictate routes for free and open traffic flow,” CENTCOM said, adding that merchant shipping continued to pass through the waterway under the protection of US forces deployed in the region.
The latest exchange of statements underscores growing tensions between Tehran and Washington over security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil supplies passes.
