Iran has issued a stern five-word warning after several commercial vessels were struck by projectiles in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, significantly heightening tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that “aggressors have no right of passage,” following multiple explosions that rocked this critical shipping lane, through which a substantial share of the world’s oil is transported.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that it had received alarming reports indicating that three commercial vessels sustained damage from “unknown projectiles.”
One particular vessel was engulfed in flames, necessitating an emergency evacuation of its crew.
Among the ships damaged was the Mayuree Naree, which Iranian state media alleged was attacked after it ignored warnings to refrain from transiting the potentially hazardous waterway.
Additionally, a second bulk carrier was reported to have been struck approximately 50 miles northwest of Dubai, but the UKMTO assured that the crew aboard was safe and unharmed. A third freighter was also reported to have incurred damage in the same vicinity.
The IRGC said in a statement: “The Express Room vessel, owned by the Zionist regime and flying the Liberian flag, was struck by Iranian projectiles this morning after ignoring warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy and was brought to a halt in place.
The container ship Mayuree Naree was also, a few hours ago, fired upon by Iranian forces after ignoring warnings and threats from the IRGC Navy and illegally insisting on passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is undoubtedly and without a moment’s lapse under the intelligent management of the brave naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Aggressor Americans and their partners have no right of passage”
UKMTO WARNING 018-26 UPDATE 001
Click here to read the full warning⤵️https://t.co/CLr9cp0ukK#MaritimeSecurity #Marsec pic.twitter.com/ZwkNHLZoRA
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) March 11, 2026
Iran’s Military central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement: “Any vessel whose oil cargo or the vessel itself belongs to the United States, the Zionist regime or their hostile allies will be considered legitimate targets.
These unsettling incidents unfolded just hours after the United States Department of Defence announced that American forces had successfully destroyed 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels in the region, ramping up military tensions.
Earlier in the week, former President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Tehran, cautioning against the deployment of naval mines in the strategic waterway. He threatened severe military consequences should any shipping activities within the strait come under attack.
The Strait of Hormuz is recognised as one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints, handling approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments.
Consequently, any disruption in this area can lead to rapid increases in energy prices and exacerbate anxieties regarding a broader regional conflict, thereby affecting global markets and economic stability. The ramifications of these tensions extend far beyond the immediate area, influencing international relations and energy security worldwide.
