Iran says ´violating´ oil tanker hit in Hormuz Strait

The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said early Friday a "violating" oil tanker that sought "illegal" passage through the Strait of Hormuz was struck the previous night and brought to a halt, reported Xinhua.

In a statement published on the IRGC's official news outlet Sepah News, the navy said the Togo-flagged oil tanker, named "Trend," was stopped after it caught fire following the strike.

The vessel attempted to cross the strait "illegally" after being "deceived and provoked" by the U.S. Army, it said, warning that attempting illegal passage through the waterway will lead to nothing but "destruction."

The navy added that its forces are still in control of the Strait of Hormuz with strength and will not let passage by any "aggressor."

Iran tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz on Feb. 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.