London, April 2026 : The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre on Saturday reported that a commercial tanker came under fire after being approached by two gunboats linked to Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), heightening tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a warning issued on its official platform, UKMTO said the incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. According to the tanker\u2019s master, the vessel was approached by two IRGC gunboats without any prior radio communication on VHF channels before shots were fired. Despite the escalation, the tanker and its crew were reported safe, and authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The development comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. Iranian officials announced that control of the Strait of Hormuz has \u201creverted to its previous state\u201d despite the continued presence of US naval forces and what Tehran describes as a blockade of its ports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A spokesperson for Iran\u2019s Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, quoted by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, stated that the strategic waterway is now under \u201cstrict control\u201d of the Iranian Armed Forces. The official accused the United States of engaging in \u201csea robbery\u201d and \u201cpiracy\u201d under the pretext of enforcing restrictions, alleging repeated violations of international commitments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spokesperson further indicated that Iran would maintain tight control over the Strait until restrictions on the movement of vessels to and from Iranian ports are lifted. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has long been a flashpoint for regional tensions and maritime security concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, according to reports cited by Xinhua News Agency, shipping activity in the area has already been affected. Vessel tracking data revealed that around ten ships attempting to transit the Strait turned back on Saturday amid the heightened uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Data from MarineTraffic further showed that several vessels reversed course near Larak Island, a location frequently used by Iran to monitor maritime traffic passing through the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The incident underscores growing risks to commercial shipping in one of the world\u2019s most important energy corridors. With military posturing intensifying and navigation increasingly uncertain, maritime authorities and global shipping companies are likely to remain on high alert in the coming days.