Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Intercepts Four Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its naval forces intercepted four vessels attempting to cross the southern waters of the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, firing warning shots and forcing them to change course. The Guard said in a statement on Saturday, July 25, that the ships were stopped after trying to pass through an illegal and unsafe route, and added that all four later changed direction. The statement came as tensions in Middle East waters remained high, with Iran in recent weeks repeatedly targeting merchant ships and tankers sailing along Oman’s coastline. Maritime security agency UK Maritime Trade Operations said an incident involving a tanker and military forces occurred in the Gulf of Oman on Friday near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, but it gave no further details and urged vessels in the area to monitor the latest maritime security advisories and remain highly alert to the deteriorating operating environment.