Iran's Revolutionary Guards Intercept Vessels in Hormuz Strait

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has reportedly intercepted six vessels that attempted to transit the Strait of Hormuz through unapproved routes. According to a report by Iranian state television on Monday, July 27, the vessels were stopped after they allegedly used unauthorized shipping lanes. The IRGC Navy took action by firing warning shots, which led to the vessels being turned back. This incident occurred overnight, and it was reported by a state television correspondent who was broadcasting from the Gulf. Earlier, there were reports of an incident involving one vessel, but details were not provided. The IRGC had previously intercepted four vessels that attempted to pass through the southern section of the Strait of Hormuz, also firing warning shots before turning them back. The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran since the outbreak of the latest Middle East conflict in late February, raising concerns about the security of this critical maritime oil and gas transit route. There has been no immediate response from the countries or shipping companies involved in the reported incidents, and the claims made by Iranian state media have not been independently verified.