IRGC Seizes 2 Vessels in Strait of Hormuz Amid US Blockade

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has captured two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, amid a blockade imposed by the United States. This move by the IRGC is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between Iran and the US, with the US having reimposed sanctions on Iran's oil exports in 2018. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital shipping lane, with approximately 20% of the world's oil passing through it. The seizure of the vessels has sparked concerns about the impact on global oil prices and the potential for further conflict in the region. According to reports from the Iranian state media, the vessels were seized for 'violating international maritime laws' and were escorted to an Iranian port for further investigation. The incident has been widely reported, with the US Department of State condemning the move as 'a clear attempt to disrupt maritime security' and vowing to 'take all necessary measures to protect US interests and those of its allies'.