Iran's IRGC claims strikes on three tankers near Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for striking three oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, escalating tensions in one of the world's most critical shipping lanes. The IRGC said the vessels targeted had connections to the United States, though specific details about the nature of those links were not immediately disclosed.

At least one tanker caught fire following the reported strikes, according to initial reports. The incident occurred in waters near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-third of global seaborne oil trade passes, making the waterway vital to international energy markets.

The attacks mark a significant escalation in regional tensions. The IRGC's claims could not be independently verified, and details regarding damage assessments and the number of casualties, if any, remained unclear.

The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical friction between Iran and Western nations, particularly the United States. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint for regional disputes, with previous incidents involving tanker attacks and military confrontations between Iranian forces and international shipping in the area.