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IRGC Gunboat Attacks Container Ship in Strait of Hormuz, Escalating Tensions
IRGC Gunboat Attacks Container Ship Near Oman
On April 22, an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) gunboat opened fire on a container ship off the coast of Oman, causing significant damage to the vessel's bridge. This incident underscores the fragile calm in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the attack, stating that the vessel's master reported being approached by an IRGC gunboat that "fired upon the vessel, which has caused heavy damage to the bridge." Fortunately, no fires or environmental impact were reported, and all crew members were safe.
Conflicting Accounts and Renewed Tensions
The incident took place approximately 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman. The ship, sailing under a Liberian flag, had reportedly been informed it had permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency, the ship had "ignored warnings" from Iran's armed forces. Iran had reopened the waterway to commercial traffic during a two-week ceasefire with the US, but later accused Washington of breaking a promise by continuing its naval blockade of ships sailing to and from Iran's ports. Iran's central military command later announced it would resume "strict management" of the Strait of Hormuz. This attack occurred on the same day US President Donald Trump announced he was extending the US-Iran ceasefire, a move that Iran has repeatedly called a "ceasefire violation" due to the ongoing naval blockade.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-04-26)*
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