Iran Sinks US Tanker as Strait of Hormuz Closes: Who Controls
Iran’s IRGC Navy claims it turned back three tankers and sank a US vessel.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the epicentre of a maritime war of words, and actions, as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy claims it turned back three commercial vessels and sank a tanker, while the US Central Command (CENTCOM) counters with footage of the 160,573-dwt Kylo sinking in the Gulf of Oman.
The latest escalation began when the IRGC Navy issued a “firm warning” to all vessels in the Persian Gulf, demanding they “refrain from any suspicious movements aimed at crossing unauthorised waterways.” In a statement on Sunday, the IRGC asserted it had targeted three tankers attempting to transit the strait, claiming they were “affiliated with the United States.” The claims were later amplified by Iran’s embassies on social media, with one post declaring: “When we say the Strait of Hormuz is closed, we mean it. Do not listen to the great lier.”
Vessels Turned Back as Iran Asserts Control Over Key Shipping Lane: strait of hormuz
Route-tracking data confirmed that at least three vessels reversed course near the strait. The Greek-owned product tanker Velos (74,900 dwt), the Liberian-flagged chemical tanker Bravo (10,000 dwt), and the Qatari LNG carrier Al Sheehaniya (122,000 dwt), managed by Nakilat Shipping, all anchored in the Persian Gulf after approaching the waterway.
Natural Gas
Ali Mohammadi, deputy political commander of the IRGC Navy, claimed that between two and five non-compliant vessels are targeted daily, reinforcing Iran’s assertion of dominance over the chokepoint.
US Strikes Back: Tanker Kylo Sinks as CENTCOM Denies Iranian Claims
The US responded with a show of force, releasing a video of the tanker Kylo (IMO: 9189146) sinking in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM’s footage, accompanied by the caption “Thanks to the precision and professionalism of American service members, the M/T Kylo sank in the Gulf of Oman today and joined Iran’s navy at the bottom of the sea,” underscored the Pentagon’s narrative of a decisive strike. The 2001-built vessel, previously sanctioned by the US and falsely flying the Comoros flag, was reportedly empty when struck, with its crew ordered to abandon ship.
CENTCOM denied Iran’s claims of attacking US naval assets, including a drone and an unmanned surface vessel, calling them “fabrications.” However, Iranian media countered with details of a separate strike on the 296,977-dwt tanker Downy, registered in Iran and under US sanctions. The vessel, hit by four projectiles off Kharg Island, was described as “permanently disabled,” with its crew evacuated. The 2004-built tanker is one of the largest in Iran’s fleet, further escalating the financial and strategic costs of the conflict.
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