Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Fire on Ship Near Oman

ISLAMABAD — In a recent escalation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards opened fire on at least one vessel near Oman after yet another assault on Tehran. The British Maritime Trade Organization reported that the Strait of Hormuz was closed on Saturday.

According to the captain of the tanker, two Revolutionary Guards gunboats approached the ship approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of the Gulf state around 1 PM local time, firing without any provocation. Thankfully, both the vessel and its crew were reported safe. An investigation into the incident has been initiated by authorities.

This incident signifies a troubling development in the ongoing standoff surrounding a crucial global shipping lane, which usually sees about one-fifth of the world’s oil flow through it.

On the same day of the attack, there was confusion regarding the status of the Strait. Iran sent mixed messages, claiming it had reopened the waterway on Friday, while simultaneously issuing threats to close it again in response to a U.S.-led naval blockade.

This blockade, which began earlier this week following a deadlock in diplomatic discussions, has brought U.S. and Iranian military forces to a contentious brink. U.S. warships are now monitoring tankers, with Tehran asserting its control over which vessels can navigate safely.

The recent firing followed weeks of increasing maritime violence in the area. Since the conflict ignited in late February, several commercial ships have been subjected to attacks involving drones, missiles, and other projectiles in and around the strait.

In prior warnings, the Revolutionary Guards stated that they would target any vessels attempting to pass through the strait without Iranian permission. This threat appears to be manifesting in real time.

Despite the shooting on Saturday, some ships are still trying to cross, while others remain anchored in the Gulf, waiting for clearance as shipping companies, insurance firms, and governments assess the mounting dangers.

This violence underscores the precariousness of the situation, even amid ongoing behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving various intermediaries, intended to avert a wider regional conflict.

Authorities are actively investigating the incident, and both the tanker and its crew have been confirmed safe.