Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Friday it struck two oil tankers trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claimed the vessels were under a United States military air escort during the incident. This alleged attack happened in the early morning hours on Friday, July 31, 2026, in the critical shipping lane. US Central Command quickly rejected Iran's claims of control over the strait, stating the waterway remains open for international transit.[washingtontimes+1]
Tehran's Account of the Incident
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released a statement through state media, detailing the alleged strikes. The IRGC said its forces hit two oil tankers that attempted to pass through "unauthorized routes" in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian military body, these ships were "encouraged by U.S. Central Command" and were under American military air escort. The IRGC claims the tankers were "struck and brought to a halt".[washingtontimes+9]
Following the strikes, four other tankers in the area "quickly altered course" and "returned to their previous positions," the IRGC statement added. Iran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz requires direct coordination with the IRGC Navy for safe transit, especially since fighting between the U.S. and Iran resumed earlier this month.[washingtontimes+4]
US Rejects Iranian Claims and Asserts Free Passage
The alleged incident has not been independently confirmed by any third parties. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has strongly denied Iran's assertions of control over the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated that Iran does not control the vital maritime passage. "The Strait of Hormuz remains open for commercial vessel transit," CENTCOM posted on social media, calling Iran's claim "false".[washingtontimes+3]
CENTCOM also emphasized that thousands of ships have sailed through the international waterway over the past four months. The command has consistently insisted that its forces remain in the region to ensure freedom of navigation. Furthermore, CENTCOM views the actions of the IRGC as the primary threat to civilian crews operating in the strait.[middleeastmonitor+2]
Escalating Tensions in a Critical Waterway
This latest incident comes amid a significant escalation of tensions between the United States and Iran. Fighting between the two nations resumed earlier this month, leading to a spread of conflict across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial choke point for global energy trade, has seen increased instability. Shipping traffic through the strait has been largely blocked by Iran since February 28, 2026, following a US-Israeli air war against Iran.[theguardian+1]
In retaliation for the US-Israeli actions, the IRGC issued warnings, boarded merchant ships, and laid sea mines in the strait. The US also implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports from April 13 to May 29, 2026. On July 14, the United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iranian ports after Iran's attacks on commercial vessels began on July 7. These ongoing tensions have significantly impacted global energy markets. Crude oil prices pushed past $90 a barrel on Thursday, reflecting fears of prolonged supply shortages. Approximately 25% of the world's seaborne oil trade and 20% of the world's liquefied natural gas typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz.[en+6]
The US military has conducted hundreds of attacks against Iran's ability to project power in the strait in recent weeks, striking key military targets in the country's south. The Pentagon has, however, avoided full-scale naval escort operations for commercial ships. Instead, it has focused on encouraging ships to use alternative routes near Oman.[washingtontimes+1]
Broader Regional Instability
The Strait of Hormuz has been nearly completely closed to traffic for the last two weeks, further contributing to rising energy prices. The ongoing conflict has also seen other regional developments. On Thursday, the US struck Iran in retaliation for Iran's targeting of US bases in Jordan. Kuwait's defense ministry reported on Friday that it shot down Iranian drones targeting "vital and military facilities". In Lebanon, the Israeli military carried out a large detonation near Beaufort Castle, claiming to target Hezbollah tunnels and infrastructure.[theguardian+3]
The current situation highlights the dangerous volatility in West Asia. The competing claims and military actions by both Iran and the United States raise serious concerns for maritime security and global energy supplies.
