▲ Merchant ships anchored in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on the 17th (local time) that it attacked and struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy announced through state media on the 18th that the targeted tanker came to a halt after catching fire.
According to China's Xinhua News Agency, the IRGC Navy also asserted in a statement released through its official media outlet, Sepah News, that the Togolese tanker, the Trend, attempted to "illegally" transit the Strait of Hormuz after being deceived by the U.S. military.
The Iranian military added that it still controls the Strait of Hormuz and will not allow the passage of any aggressor.
Iran, which is at war with the United States, claims control over the Strait of Hormuz and has been attacking commercial vessels passing through the area without the authorization of its authorities.
The British daily Financial Times (FT) reported on the 12th that approximately 70 commercial ships have been attacked by Iran since the outbreak of the war with Iran last February.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
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