The key facts
- The IRGC reported a simultaneous strike on four vessels which, according to its data, were transferring oil in the northern Persian Gulf
- According to the IRGC, fires on the vessels were still burning; the vessels were accused of sailing along 'unauthorized routes'
- Iran accused the US of encouraging passage through a mined corridor and warned of a possible response against American bases in the region
IRGC statement on the attack on vessels
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Thursday that its naval forces attacked four vessels in the northern Persian Gulf. According to the IRGC, the vessels were transferring oil cargoes from one ship to another and were struck simultaneously for sailing along 'unauthorized routes.' The statement said that 'fires on the attacked vessels are still burning.'
Accusations against the US and a warning
The IRGC accused the United States of 'encouraging vessels to cross the mined sea passage' — in its wording — which it said leads to 'an increase in maritime incidents.' The statement contained a warning to Washington: if the US continues such a policy, 'the scale of Iran's response will also include American bases in the region.'
Context of the conflict
According to the agency, on February 28 the US and Israel began a war against Iran; Iran responded with attacks on Israel and American facilities in countries of the region, after which a ceasefire was reached in April. Later, amid stalled negotiations — despite the signing of a memorandum of understanding in mid-June — the US struck targets in Iran. On July 12, Iran announced the renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the resumption of American attacks on July 8.
