IRGC says it attacked tanker in Strait of Hormuz linked to American interests

Tehran, Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it attacked a tanker it claims is linked to American interests in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it part of retaliatory operations following what it described as attacks by the United States and Israel.

IRGC statement on tanker strike

The IRGC said the tanker caught fire after two drones hit it. In a statement carried by Iranian news agencies, it identified the vessel as “Athen Nova.”

The IRGC did not explicitly state that Iranian drones carried out the strike, referring to the incident in a single line within a report outlining its military operations in the region.

“The tanker ATHE NOVA, one of the American allied vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, continues to burn after an attack by two drones,” the IRGC said.

Reuters identification and maritime sources

Reuters reported the ship in question appears to be the asphalt carrier “Athe Nova,” sailing under the Honduran flag and owned by Greek interests.

Two maritime sources told Reuters that the tanker stopped in the Strait of Hormuz after being struck by two drones.

What impact do you think this incident could have on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz?