Iran attacks two oil tankers in Hormuz

Iran has attacked two “offensive oil tankers” attempting to pass through the international Strait of Hormuz, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed. Middle East Eye reports

The two ships were trying to enter and exit the “unsafe and risky route” in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz under pressure from the US military.

The statement added, “This is our territory. There is no legal basis for the intervention of American forces from thousands of kilometers away and it will be responded to.”

The IRGC warned, “As long as US activities in this region continue, this waterway will not be safe for the transport of chemical fertilizers or even a drop of oil and gas.” However, no independent confirmation has been received regarding the IRGC’s claim.

Meanwhile, the US military has carried out airstrikes on various Iranian military installations for the ninth consecutive night. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that these attacks targeted Iranian military command centers, air defense systems, coastal surveillance centers, naval capabilities, missile and drone launch sites, and communications networks.

A statement from CENTCOM said that the operations ended at 10 pm (US Eastern Time) on July 19. They claim that the operation was carried out to reduce the potential for attacks on commercial ships and civilian sailors traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.