Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed on Friday that its naval forces hit and stopped two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while four others turned back after receiving Iranian warnings.
In a statement, the IRGC said the incident occurred early Friday when two tankers transited what it described as an “undeclared route” under US air escort and ignored Iranian warnings.
The two tankers were “hit and stopped,” while four others “quickly changed course and returned to their location,” it said.
“Last night, in response to CENTCOM’s false statement, we informed all owners of shipping and insurance companies not to pay attention to CENTCOM statements,” the IRGC said.
Earlier Thursday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces had redirected 24 commercial vessels and disabled and boarded four others “to ensure full compliance.”
CENTCOM also rejected IRGC claims that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is unsafe, saying the primary threat to civilian crews remains the IRGC’s actions.
Iran’s army claims drone attack on US facilities at Kuwait air base
The Iranian army said on Friday that it launched a drone attack on “strategic” US facilities at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait.
In a statement, the army said “fighter aircraft hangars, satellite communication systems, and equipment warehouses” at the base were targeted by explosive drones.
The army described Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base as a “key hub” for US aerial and surveillance operations and logistical support.
There was no immediate comment from Kuwait or the US on the Iranian report.
Israeli army blows up caves, homes in southern Lebanon despite US-mediated framework agreement
Israeli forces carried out large-scale explosions in southern Lebanon late on Thursday and early on Friday, blowing up caves and homes, according to Lebanese state media.
Powerful explosions occurred in the towns of Yohmor al-Shaqif, Arnoun and Kfar Tebnit in the Nabatieh district, Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported.
The blasts echoed across southern Lebanon and were heard as far as Iqlim al-Kharroub and Khaldeh, south of Beirut, the agency said.
Explosions near Beaufort Castle shattered windows and damaged homes in the town of Qlaiaa in the Marjayoun district, it added.
Residents told the agency that a powerful shock wave shook the town as the smell of gunpowder spread through the area.
Early Friday, Israeli forces blew up several caves and homes near the towns of Mansouri and Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district.
On Thursday evening, Israeli forces opened machine-gun fire around Mansouri and Bayt al-Sayyad and shelled Mansouri with several rounds, according to the agency.
The sounds of Israeli tanks were also heard on the Baraachit hill toward the town of Ainata in the Bint Jbeil district, coinciding with explosions and tremors across the eastern and western sectors of southern Lebanon.
No injuries were immediately reported.
In a joint statement late Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged the explosions, claiming the army had destroyed tunnels beneath Beaufort Castle.