Key facts
- Iran's IRGC seized three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz for allegedly unsafe and illegal routes.
- The US sanctioned 10 entities and eight tankers linked to Iran's oil activities.
- The US accused these entities of extorting commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz by manufacturing risk and charging for coverage.
- Iran had previously rejected Oman's proposal for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz.
- President Donald Trump vowed to 'hit Iran hard' following a missile attack against US bases in Jordan.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had stopped three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, citing unsafe and illegal routes. The IRGC also issued a warning against U.S. interventions in the region. This action occurred as the United States imposed new sanctions on Wednesday, designating 10 entities and eight tankers involved in Iran's efforts to monetize the Strait of Hormuz. The US Treasury Department stated that these entities manufacture risk, including vessel seizures, and charge commercial vessels for coverage against dangers created by the regime itself. The sanctions followed vows by President Donald Trump to 'hit Iran hard' after a missile attack against US bases in Jordan. Earlier, Iran had rejected Oman's proposal for joint management of the Strait of Hormuz, reportedly due to U.S. and Saudi pressure.