Iran claims it struck tanker trying to use 'illegal route' in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards have claimed to have struck a fuel tanker on Friday that was attempting to cross what they called an "illegal route" through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement carried by state media, the massive tanker NV Sunshine, owned by Natwit, was passing through the southern part of the waterway. The statement claimed Iranian forces had taken full control of the strait.

Maritime vessel tracking agencies also reported on Friday that an unidentified missile had struck a ship off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. However, the name of the vessel they cited does not match the one named in Iran's statement.

Since the war began in the Middle East, Iran has been attempting to blockade this waterway. Iran insists that ships must obtain permission to use its designated route, but many vessels have been passing through the southern part of the strait instead.