IRGC STRIKES U.S. TANKER IN NORTHERN GULF – THREATENS ALLIED SHIPS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed a direct hit on a U.S.-linked oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. The vessel is reportedly on fire, with thick black smoke visible in circulating footage.

IRGC STRIKES U.S. TANKER IN NORTHERN GULF – THREATENS ALLIED SHIPS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed a direct hit on a U.S.-linked oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. The vessel is reportedly on fire, with thick black smoke visible in circulating footage.

In a stark warning, the IRGC stated that any U.S., Israeli, or European vessels supporting them in the Strait of Hormuz “will certainly be hit.” Tehran continues to insist it maintains full control over the chokepoint, through which roughly 20% of global oil flows daily.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, coming after massive American and Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury — which have already cost the Pentagon over $5 billion in days, destroyed more than 1,700 targets, resulted in multiple U.S. aircraft losses, and claimed the lives of six American service members.

Shipping disruptions are spreading rapidly:
– Tankers are anchoring outside the strait or diverting to alternate routes.
– Up to 150 vessels are sitting idle in Gulf waters.
– Traffic has dropped around 80%, with reports of additional hits on commercial ships, including explosions off Kuwait and drone strikes in other areas.

The IRGC frames the attack as retaliation for U.S.-Israeli operations that eliminated Supreme Leader Khamenei and heavily damaged Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Tehran maintains the strait remains “open” under its sovereignty — while warning that passage carries extreme risk.

Global energy markets are on edge. Oil prices are climbing as supply-chain disruptions loom. The Trump administration has pledged Navy escorts and insurance support for tankers, though experts describe the plan as logistically complex and highly vulnerable to Iranian missiles, drones, and mines.

The narrow Strait of Hormuz has once again become the world’s most dangerous waterway.

HT US HOMELAND SECURITY NEWS