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Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that it struck the Liberian-flagged container ship “Express Rome

TEHRAN / STRAIT OF HORMUZ — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced that it struck the Liberian-flagged container ship “Express Rome” in the Strait of Hormuz, part of a widening campaign targeting commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf amid escalating regional conflict. According to a statement carried by Iranian state-linked media, IRGC naval forces fired projectiles at the Express Rome, which Iran claims is Israeli-owned, after the vessel allegedly ignored warnings to halt while transiting the strategic waterway.


The IRGC said a second vessel, the Thai bulk carrier “Mayuree Naree,” was also hit during the same incident. Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri warned that ships intending to pass through the strait must obtain permission from Iran’s authorities. Escalating attacks on global shipping The strike comes amid growing instability in the Gulf, where multiple ships have recently been targeted as tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel intensify. Several commercial vessels have reportedly been struck by drones or missiles in the narrow maritime corridor that handles a significant share of the world’s oil shipments. Iran has declared that vessels linked to the United States, Israel, or their allies could be considered “legitimate targets,” raising fears of a broader disruption to international shipping. Strategic global chokepoint The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. Roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically passes through the narrow channel, making any attacks on ships there a major concern for global energy markets and maritime security. Western governments and shipping companies are closely monitoring the situation, with some analysts warning that continued attacks could trigger naval escorts, military retaliation, or temporary closures of the vital shipping lane.