(Photo: Anadolu)
TEHRAN – Iran said Thursday that its forces struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the vessel of attempting what it described as an illegal passage through the strategic waterway.
In a statement carried by state-run IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said the tanker Trend was hit overnight and later stopped after a fire broke out.
The IRGC claimed the vessel had been encouraged by the US military to cross the strait, but provided no evidence to support the allegation.
Iran’s naval force also reiterated that it continues to control access through the channel and warned vessels against attempting passage it considers unauthorized.
There was no immediate independent confirmation of the reported strike, the fire or the tanker’s condition.
The statement did not provide details on the ship’s cargo, crew, possible casualties or whether the vessel remained afloat.
US military officials had not immediately commented on Iran’s claim.
