Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Fires at ‘Israeli-Owned’ Vessel, Strikes Thai Cargo Ship

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Fires at ‘Israeli-Owned’ Vessel, Strikes Thai Cargo Ship 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that it fired on two commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.

In a statement, Iranian authorities said the vessels ignored repeated warnings from Iranian naval forces and failed to obtain the required permission before entering waters Tehran considers under its jurisdiction.

Iran identified one of the ships as the Liberia-flagged container vessel Express Rome, which the IRGC described as an “Israeli-owned vessel.” The second vessel was the Thailand-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree.

According to Iranian officials, both ships allegedly disregarded several radio warnings and attempted to proceed through the strait despite instructions from Iranian maritime authorities.

The Mayuree Naree was reportedly struck by at least two projectiles while sailing approximately 11 nautical miles north of Oman, causing heavy damage to the ship’s engine room and stern and igniting a large fire onboard.

Maritime safety agencies said the fire forced emergency evacuation procedures as rescue teams and nearby vessels responded to distress calls from the ship’s crew. Regional maritime authorities later assisted in rescue efforts and damage control operations.

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Most crew members aboard the Thai vessel were reported rescued, although initial reports indicated that some seafarers were temporarily unaccounted for before search operations were launched.

The second vessel, Express Rome, was reportedly targeted after Iranian forces claimed it had links to Israel and had also failed to comply with instructions to halt or change course while passing through the area.

Iranian naval authorities said the action was justified because the vessels “disregarded warnings” and attempted to navigate the Strait of Hormuz without complying with Iranian directives.

Tehran has repeatedly maintained that ships passing close to its territorial waters must follow navigation protocols and respond to communications from Iranian naval units operating in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but crucial maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports transit through the route each day, making it one of the most vital chokepoints in the global energy supply chain.

The latest incident comes amid rising tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with military forces and intelligence agencies from multiple countries closely monitoring maritime activity across the Gulf.

In recent days, maritime security agencies have also reported that several other commercial ships were struck by projectiles or damaged while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, forcing emergency evacuations and raising concerns about the safety of international shipping.

Some vessels reportedly suffered fires and structural damage, prompting rescue missions by regional naval forces and international maritime safety organisations.

Shipping companies and global maritime authorities are now closely monitoring the situation, with some operators considering alternative routes or delaying voyages due to growing security concerns.

Energy analysts warn that any sustained disruption in the Strait of Hormuz shipping route could have serious implications for global oil prices, energy markets and international trade, given the massive volume of oil and gas shipments that pass through the waterway daily.

The incident highlights the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Iran asserting control over strategic waterways while regional and global powers weigh their responses in an effort to prevent a wider conflict that could threaten global shipping and energy supplies.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Fires at ‘Israeli-Owned’ Vessel, Strikes Thai Cargo Ship