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IRGC: Two violating oil tankers halted after massive fires in Strait of Hormuz

An overview of the Strait of Hormuz from Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan Province, Iran, on July 15, 2026 (Photo by IRIB News Agency)

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says two oil tankers that attempted to transit an unsafe route south of the Strait of Hormuz were stopped after explosions triggered major fires, slamming the US military for misleading the vessels.

In a statement in the early hours of Tuesday, the IRGC said the two oil tankers violating maritime regulations were halted after suffering explosions and large-scale fires following their attempt to enter and exit via the unsafe and accident-prone southern route of the Strait of Hormuz.

“A short while ago, two violating oil tankers that, after being misled by the child-killing US military, intended to pass through the dangerous route south of the Strait of Hormuz suffered explosions that caused extensive fires and brought them to a halt. Rescue and relief units are currently evacuating the crews of these vessels from the area,” the statement read.

The IRGC also issued a renewed warning to international shipping companies, urging them not to rely on US military guidance regarding navigation through the strategic waterway.

“The IRGC Navy once again warns shipping companies to safeguard the safety of their crews and vessels, not to trust the false information provided by the US military, and to avoid unsafe and hazardous routes,” it stressed.

It further emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US acts of aggression continue in the region.

“It is self-evident that as long as America's acts of aggression in the region continue, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, and not a single drop of oil or gas, nor even a single bag of chemical fertilizer, will be exported from the region,” it stressed.

The IRGC added that punitive military operations had begun in response to maritime violations by US forces.

“Punitive operations against the aggressor US bases have begun in response to maritime violations, and further details will be announced in due course,” it noted.

The announcement comes amid renewed regional tensions following the joint military campaign by the US and Zionist regime against Iran that began in late February. In response, Iran has carried out legitimate retaliatory drone and missile strikes against US military assets stationed in Persian Gulf countries.

A Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding reached last month briefly raised hopes of easing the conflict. However, renewed US aggression involving the Strait of Hormuz has once again fueled tensions in the strategically vital waterway.

Iran has consistently maintained that safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz is its sovereign right.

Stressing the strategic importance of the waterway, through which a significant share of the world's energy supplies passes, Tehran has warned that any attempt by foreign powers to undermine security or circumvent Iran's authority will be met with a firm and decisive response from the IRGC Navy.


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