Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reported that an oil tanker named ‘Prima’ was struck by a drone while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement was made through a statement shared on Telegram, where the IRGC reiterated that it had repeatedly warned against vessel movement through the strait, declaring the area off-limits.

According to the IRGC, ships belonging to countries maintaining friendly relations with what it called ‘enemy nations’ are also being barred from crossing the strait. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transport routes, carrying nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has already brought maritime traffic in the area to a near standstill.

Earlier in the week, Iran had warned that any ship attempting to pass through the region could be set on fire. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. Navy could escort vessels through the strait if necessary.