Iran Claims Strait of Hormuz Transit Halted, Reports Attacks on Two Tankers; No Independent Verification

Iranian media on Friday reported that vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had been suspended, citing what it described as a notice issued by Iranian maritime authorities.

Tasnim News Agency reported that the notice blamed what Tehran called "aggressive actions" by the United States and stated that vessel transit through the strait would not be permitted until security conditions improved. The report also claimed that shipping requests would be reviewed and approved in phases once stability was restored.

However, the reported notice has not been independently verified, and there has been no confirmation that it was officially issued or that commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has actually been suspended.

IRGC Claims Tanker Attack

In a separate statement carried by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it attacked two oil tankers that were allegedly attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military air escort.

The IRGC alleged the vessels ignored warnings and attempted to sail through what it described as an unauthorized route before being struck and forced to stop. It further claimed that four additional tankers changed course and turned back.

Those claims have not been independently verified. No evidence confirming damage to the vessels or disruptions matching the IRGC's account has been released by independent maritime authorities or other official sources.

Global Importance of the Strait

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical energy shipping routes, carrying a significant share of global oil exports. Any confirmed disruption to commercial traffic could have major consequences for global energy markets, shipping, insurance costs, and financial markets.

As of publication, there is no independent confirmation that the strait has been closed or that the reported attacks occurred as described by Iranian authorities.

Background

Separately, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement the previous day rejecting several unrelated claims made by Iranian state media, including allegations involving commercial shipping and damage to U.S. military aircraft. That statement was released before Friday's reports and did not address the latest Iranian claims.