Iran’s IRGC has claimed attack on a US warship in the Indian Ocean and full control of the Strait of Hormuz. It comes amid the Iran-Israel conflict, which has also included new airstrikes on Tehran.
Tension in the Middle East increased further on Wednesday when Iran’s elite military force, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) made a big claim. According to the IRGC, it has attacked an American warship in the Indian Ocean with a missile. Besides, it has also announced to take ‘complete control’ over the Strait of Hormuz. All this is happening at a time when the fighting between Iran, Israel and allied forces is in the fifth day. In this fight, missile attacks, air strikes and diplomatic tug-of-war have spread across the region.
Claim of attack on American warship
In a sensational development, Iranian state television reported that Revolutionary Guards fired missiles at a US Navy warship in the Indian Ocean, about 650 kilometers off Iran’s coast. According to the guards, the attack caused a fire on the ship. However, the US Navy has not yet confirmed this claim, leaving uncertainty over what actually happened at sea. The report has heightened fears that the conflict could extend beyond the Gulf region to major international shipping routes.
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Iran announces ‘complete control’ over Hormuz
The Revolutionary Guards also announced that Iranian forces now have ‘complete control’ of the Strait of Hormuz. It is one of the most important oil transit points in the world. Guards warned that any ships trying to pass through this route could be at risk of damage from missiles or drones. This statement has raised concerns around the world, as a large part of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through this narrow route. In view of the increasing threats, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US Navy is ready to provide security to oil tankers passing through the Gulf shipping route.
Israel’s new attacks on Tehran
Meanwhile, Israel has intensified its air campaign and launched a new wave of attacks on targets in Tehran. The Israeli military said it struck ‘dozens’ of targets, including security command centers in the Iranian capital. An AFP journalist said another explosion was heard in the north-eastern part of the city during the attacks.
Iranian warship sank near Sri Lanka
Another major incident occurred off Sri Lanka, where officials said an Iranian navy frigate sank just outside the island’s territorial waters after an explosion. The ship has been identified as IRIS Dena, which had 180 crew members on board. Sri Lankan officials said 32 seriously injured sailors were rescued after the ship sent out an early morning appeal for help. The search operation for the remaining crew members is still ongoing, and the cause of the explosion is not yet clear.
Strong reactions are coming from all over the world
Now reactions have started coming from all over the world on the increasing war. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the US-Israeli attacks on Iran ‘prima facie… appear to be against international law’. The growing concern was also clearly visible in the financial markets. Gulf stock exchanges in Dubai and Abu Dhabi opened sharply lower after a two-day closure, while Asian markets saw heavy losses amid fears of major conflict and energy supply disruptions.
Missiles, drones and regional attacks
Iran said it fired more than 40 missiles at US and Israeli targets in a new wave of attacks. Sirens sounded across large parts of Israel, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, after Iranian missiles were detected early Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of casualties, although Israeli media reported shrapnel fire near Jerusalem.
At the same time, Israel launched strikes in Lebanon targeting targets linked to the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah. Explosions were reported in Beirut’s southern suburbs and other areas. Lebanese officials said six people were killed and eight wounded in the attacks south of the capital.
Preparations for funeral after Khamenei’s death
Iran also announced a three-day state funeral for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei starting on Wednesday evening. His death in American-Israeli attacks is what gave rise to the current conflict. Following the announcement, Israel’s Defense Minister warned that any successor chosen by Tehran could also be a target.
Security concerns increase across the region
Security concerns extend beyond the war zone. Qatar said it had dismantled two spy cells linked to the Revolutionary Guards and arrested 10 suspects. In the Gulf, a drone strike opened fire near the US Consulate in Dubai, showing how diplomatic missions are being targeted as tensions rise. America has also taken precautionary measures. It has ordered non-emergency staff at its consulates in Karachi and Lahore to leave Pakistan and has also allowed personnel at missions in Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Oman to leave due to security concerns.
US military claims massive attacks inside Iran
Admiral Brad Cooper, who leads US military forces in the Middle East, said in a video message that nearly 2,000 targets inside Iran have been struck since the conflict began. With an intensification of missile attacks, turmoil in global markets and threats to key shipping routes, the crisis now appears to be entering an even more dangerous phase – with far-reaching consequences far beyond the region.