Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Friday that actions against vessels "violating transit rules" will not be limited to the Strait of Hormuz, and any vessel crossing the unauthorized route will be "pursued, and definitely punished" anywhere in the region. In the announcement, the navy of the IRGC said its forces had hit a "giant" ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas within the preceding hours as it sought to cross the Strait of Hormuz through the "illegal" route south of the waterway.
The navy said that following the strike, the vessel, identified as NV Sunshine, caught fire in its engine room and propulsion system.
It stressed that the U.S. military is directly responsible for such incidents and the escalation of tensions in maritime transport in the region, adding that the U.S. military causes such incidents through its interventions, manipulation of shipping and insurance companies, and payment of massive bribes.
It warned that companies allowing themselves to be deceived by the United States will be sanctioned, "and the necessary punitive measures will be enforced against all vessels belonging to the violating companies."
According to the statement, the IRGC's naval forces are in full control of the Strait of Hormuz, will prevent the "aggressive" armies' presence in the region, and will deal decisively with the "enemy's" attempts to disrupt this management.
On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
Actions against vessels violating transit rules not limited to Hormuz Strait: Iranian military
