Iranian revolutionary guard vessels fire on commercial ships in Strait of Hormuz

On April 18, 2026, reports emerged that vessels belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired upon commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The incident occurred approximately 20 nautical miles off the coast of Oman following an Iranian announcement of new restrictions in the waterway. British maritime authorities, including the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), confirmed that at least two commercial ships were targeted, one of which was identified as an Indian tanker. Audio recordings broadcast by media outlets feature the captain of the Indian tanker questioning why the ship was being attacked after having been granted passage. While some sources suggest the vessel was forced to change course, others indicate it may have received a warning before adjusting its route. The UKMTO confirmed that the vessels and their crews remain safe, despite the use of light weaponry during the encounter. The situation has prompted significant concern regarding navigation security in this critical maritime transit point.