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Iranian Gunboats Fire on Tanker in Strait of Hormuz, UK Reports

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre reported a tanker was fired upon by two Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats northeast of Oman, with the crew reported safe. Iran announced it has re-established strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the United States of "sea robbery" and piracy. A spokesperson stated this control will remain until US restrictions on vessel movement to and from Iran are lifted. Shipping data indicated approximately ten vessels reversed course near Larak Island following Iran's declaration.

Key Points: Iran Gunboats Attack Tanker in Strait of Hormuz

  • Tanker fired upon by IRGC gunboats
  • Vessel and crew reported safe
  • Iran declares strict control of strait
  • US accused of "sea robbery"
  • Multiple ships turned back
2 min read

Iranian gunboats fire on tanker in Strait of Hormuz: UK authority

UK authority reports Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats fired on a tanker near Oman. Iran declares strict control over the strategic strait.

"control over the Strait of Hormuz has been returned to its previous state - Khatam al-Anbia Headquarters Spokesperson"

London, April 18

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre said on Saturday that a tanker came under fire from two gunboats of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The UKMTO published a warning on their website saying, "Master UKMTO has received a report of an incident 20NM northeast of OMAN. The Master of a Tanker reports being approached by 2 IRGC gun boats, no VHF challenge that then fired upon the tanker. Tanker and crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating."

Iran announced on Saturday that the control of the Strait has "reverted to its previous state" amid the continuing US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters' spokesman was quoted as saying by the country's semi-official Tasnim news agency that the Strait of Hormuz is under "strict control" of the Iranian Armed Forces and will remain in its previous operational state.

The spokesperson further stated that under the pretext of a blockade, the United States continued acts of "sea robbery" and "piracy" with repeated breaches of commitments and a history of misconduct due to which "control over the Strait of Hormuz has been returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under strict management and control by the Armed Forces".

He also mentioned that the situation will remain tightly controlled and unchanged from its previous status until the restrictions on the free movement of vessels from Iran to their destination and from elsewhere to Iran are removed by the United States.

According to Xinhua news agency, vessel tracking data showed that around 10 ships turned back on Saturday while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's renewed control over the strategic waterway.

According to shipping data from Marine Traffic, the vessels reversed course in waters off Larak Island, an area used by Iran to monitor maritime traffic.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While Iran's actions are concerning, we must also look at the US blockade they are protesting. Constant foreign pressure and sanctions can push any nation to a corner. The solution has to be dialogue, not more military posturing.
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Aman W
Directly firing on a commercial tanker is an act of piracy, full stop. It sets a terrible precedent. India's navy should be on high alert to protect our merchant vessels in the region. Jai Hind!
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Sarah B
The immediate concern is the safety of the crew, glad to hear they are reported safe. But 10 ships turning back? This will cause massive disruption to supply chains and spike oil prices. Our economy can't afford this volatility.
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Vikram M
Iran calling US actions "sea robbery" while its own gunboats fire on a tanker... the irony is thick. Every nation has a right to secure its waters, but this is not the way. Hope our External Affairs Ministry is working behind the scenes.
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Karthik V
This is why India needs to diversify its energy sources and routes even more aggressively. Over-reliance on any single choke point is a strategic vulnerability. Time to fast-track renewable and other alternatives.
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Nisha Z
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on the

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