The naval force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has targeted at least seven violating oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz during a military operation over the past five days. This action takes place as U.S. officials have repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under their control.
Details of the Attacks on Oil Tankers
According to reports, two oil tankers exploded in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, one at the entrance of the waterway and the other while exiting it. In the four days leading up to this incident, two Kuwaiti oil tankers named Al-Fintas and Kazmah III and three oil tankers from the United Arab Emirates named Sinbad, Mersin Prosperity, and Al-Ruwis were attacked.
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Following these attacks, five Indian nationals aboard the Kazmah III were rescued. The Indian embassy in Oman announced that these individuals were safely brought to shore and thanked Omani officials for their assistance.
Consequences of the Attacks and Reactions
In this context, a senior naval official in Iran stated that the country is pursuing the attack and seizure of a commercial vessel named Tozka by the United States in international courts. Mohammad Reza Modarresi Kheyabani, the CEO of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, described this action as a "war crime" and stated that the Tozka was carrying medicines related to the Iranian Red Crescent and dialysis patients.
Modarresi Kheyabani also pointed out that attacking a commercial vessel during a ceasefire constitutes a violation of the ceasefire and an act of hostility. He claimed that the U.S. Navy targeted the engine room of the Tozka and took its 28 crew members hostage.
The ceasefire between the parties was established on April 8, and on June 18, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war in the region. According to this memorandum, the two countries were supposed to begin negotiations for a final agreement within 60 days, but despite rising tensions, they were unable to reach an acceptable agreement.
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