Tehran/Jerusalem: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has said it intercepted a Togo-flagged oil tanker after it allegedly attempted to cross the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorised route. Separately, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to overthrow Iran’s ruling regime.
According to the IRGC’s Sepah News, the tanker ‘Trend’ was intercepted after allegedly violating navigation regulations. A fire reportedly broke out on the vessel following the interception, after which it was detained.
The IRGC alleged that the tanker attempted to use an unauthorised route after being “provoked” by the US military and warned that it would not allow what it described as aggressive forces to operate in the strategic waterway.
Earlier, the IRGC reported that the oil tanker ‘EL GAIA’ caught fire after allegedly striking a naval mine while attempting to navigate a prohibited route.
Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority has also warned insurers, P&I clubs and classification societies against providing services to vessels that violate its navigation regulations.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its operations against Hamas while also seeking to topple Iran’s regime.
Speaking at an event hosted by Israel’s Shin Bet security agency, Netanyahu said the Iranian regime would be defeated and overthrown. He also claimed that joint operations with the US had reduced threats linked to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
Netanyahu warned Israel’s adversaries against testing the country, saying Israel remained the most powerful force in the Middle East.
