Iran launched new drone attacks towards US military ships in the Sea of Oman after an Iranian commercial vessel was allegedly seized by American forces. As per the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), American ships in the area were forced to withdraw after targeting the vessel.
According to reports from Mehr News Agency, the US action aimed to retreat the Iranian ship into its territorial waters. The incident further escalated tensions amidst the rising military and commercial maritime activity in the region. Press TV reported the response of IRGC naval units as ‘timely’ and ‘rapid’.
Iranian reports opines that the seizure of the vessel was connected to the efforts involving the closure of the strait, and the movement and return of Indian and British commercial vessels monitored by IRGC. The report states that Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iran after failing to meet its military objectives.
IRGC Navy announces renewed restrictions amidst ceasefire dispute
After reportedly easing restriction on non-hostile shipping to reduce tensions, the IRGC Navy announced renewed measures after the alleged US violations of the ceasefire declared in early April by US President, Donald Trump.
“However, due to the violation of the ceasefire condition, and as the American adversary has not lifted the naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed as of this evening until this blockade is removed”, said IRGC.
Following the incident, Iranian forces reportedly intercepted and redirected two oil tankers flying the flags of Botswana and Angola.
Iran accuses the US of ‘maritime piracy’ and warns retaliation
Iran’s Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters accused Washington of ‘violating the ceasefire and committing maritime piracy’ and warned of a response, “We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against the armed piracy by the US military.”
However, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claimed that American forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged vessel, identified as TOUSKA, in the Arabian Sea for breaching a naval blockade. As per the US, the USS Spruance targeted the vessel’s engine room after repeated warnings were ignored. President Trump stated that the vessel had been placed under ‘full custody.
