Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz until further notice after claiming responsibility for firing what it described as “warning shots” at a commercial vessel transiting the waterway with its identification systems turned off.
In a statement issued in the early hours of Sunday, the IRGC Navy accused the United States and foreign powers of illegally directing ship movements through the strait’s southern corridors, which it considers a violation of the 60-day MoU signed with the United States in June.
The force claimed that one vessel that had allegedly switched off its tracking systems was struck by warning fire after failing to heed repeated instructions to alter course.
“As a result of the insecurity created by illegal foreign interference, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this area, and no vessels will be allowed to pass through,” the statement seen by BusinessDay on Telegram read.
The announcement came shortly after the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported an incident involving a commercial vessel in Omani waters. UKMTO said the ship caught fire after being struck by a projectile.
