Iran says it struck and detained Togo‑flagged oil tanker in Strait of Hormuz

This screen grab taken from video footage released on July 20, 2026 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)’s Sepah News shows what they say a missile being launched from an undisclosed location towards US targets in the Gulf. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said today they struck an oil tanker sailing under the Togolese flag in the Strait of Hormuz. — AFP pic

First Published: Friday, 18 Sep 2026 9:16 AM MYT

TEHRAN, Sept 18 — Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said today they struck an oil tanker sailing under the Togolese flag in the Strait of Hormuz, state news agency IRNA reported.

Tehran has imposed an effective blockade of the strait since the United States and Israel struck Iran in late February.

The Islamic republic wants to charge tolls for passage, attacking ships it accuses of attempting to circumvent its preferred route.

“The Togo-flagged oil tanker ‘Trend’ had been targeted and detained after a fire broke out on board,” the statement said, referring to an attempted “illegal passage” through the vital waterway.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) announced Thursday a “security incident in the Strait of Hormuz, 16 nautical miles (29.6km) northeast of Khasab, Oman”.

UKMTO did not provide details about the vessel involved, and it is unclear whether it is the same mentioned by the Revolutionary Guards. — AFP