Tehran, Sept 19:
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified after Iran said its Revolutionary Guard Corps struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker that was attempting to pass through the strategic waterway.
Iranian state media quoted the Revolutionary Guard as saying the tanker Trend was targeted on Thursday night because it was making what Tehran described as an unauthorised transit. The Associated Press said it could not independently confirm Iran’s account.
The development comes amid continuing tensions in the Middle East following the US-Israel military action against Iran earlier this year. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making any disruption there a major concern for international shipping and oil markets.
Iran has warned vessels against what it considers unauthorised movement through the strait. At the same time, attacks and security threats affecting shipping have continued around the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
South Korea is considering an expansion of its naval operation in the Gulf of Aden to protect its commercial vessels and energy routes, although Seoul has said it does not intend to take part militarily in the Iran conflict.