Iran's IRGC Navy intercepts US tanker near Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy forced a U.S. tanker to turn around near the Strait of Hormuz, with semi-official Tasnim news agency reporting warning shots were fired. The agency cited a military source who stated the tanker attempted to pass through the strait with its radar system turned off.

The incident occurred early Thursday and was linked by Tasnim to an earlier explosion heard near Bandar Abbas, where Iranian media reported air defenses had been activated. The news agency claimed no casualties or property damage resulted from the confrontation.

This event unfolds against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. A U.S. official confirmed to Anadolu news agency that the U.S. had conducted airstrikes in southern Iran, downing four Iranian drones and striking a ground control station in Bandar Abbas. These actions were described as "measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire."

Regional tensions have been high since February, following attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, which Tehran retaliated against with attacks on Israeli and U.S. allies. A ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, came into effect on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely. The IRGC's actions appear to be a response to perceived violations of this ceasefire.

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U.S. forces also struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone. These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire.