Tensions in the southern Red Sea have intensified following a report from a tanker of a projectile landing close to the vessel, as communicated by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The maritime security body confirmed receiving information about an “incident” involving an unknown projectile causing a splash near the tanker.
Despite the alarming event, the ship and its crew remained unharmed, though the environmental consequences of the incident have yet to be determined. UKMTO has urged vessels navigating the area to exercise heightened caution and to report any suspicious activities while investigations continue.
In a significant development, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued warnings to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, instructing them to adhere strictly to security protocols established by Tehran. Although Iran claims to have suspended “retaliatory operations” in the Gulf, it cautions that ongoing US attacks could escalate the conflict throughout the region.
IRGC spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia delivered a pointed message to the United States ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, emphasizing Iran’s stance. The IRGC has also announced the creation of a designated maritime corridor, warning that vessels deviating from this route risk being targeted.
Furthermore, Iran alleges that naval mines have been deployed at undisclosed locations within the Strait of Hormuz to deter ships violating the designated passage, though independent verification of these claims remains unavailable.
Meanwhile, the IRGC asserts that over 200 US troops have been killed in retaliatory strikes following what it describes as a breach of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). IRGC spokesperson General Hossein Mohabi contends that official US casualty figures underreport the true extent of losses, including more than 200 wounded personnel.
Mohabi, Iranian forces targeted eight US military bases across the region, destroying 20 protective shelters at one site during these operations. He challenged the US government to permit journalists access to the affected military installations, suggesting that independent inspections would reveal the full scale of the damage.
The IRGC also reiterated claims that recent Iranian strikes destroyed 11 US military aircraft and helicopters, including 17 drones, an F-15 fighter jet, a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, a C-17 transport plane, and eight aerial refueling tankers.
In a related statement, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council chief Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr declared that military actions against the United States will persist until the “enemy fully surrenders” and Iran achieves what it terms revenge for the killing of children. He noted that smoke visible across the region signals attacks on US military, security, and financial facilities, underscoring the Iranian people’s resolve to continue operations until their objectives are fulfilled.
Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that Tehran will determine the timing and manner of restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that there is no military solution to conflicts in Yemen, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, or other regional disputes, advocating negotiations as the sole viable path to resolution.
It is important to note that the reported projectile incident in the Red Sea, Iran’s maritime security claims, alleged mine placements in the Strait of Hormuz, and assertions regarding US troop casualties and military losses have not been independently confirmed.
