Amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for a missile attack (or the use of unmanned surface vessels) on a US-linked oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf. This event raised concerns about global maritime security and the potential disruption to oil supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz – a shipping route for one-fifth of the world’s crude oil – is becoming a flashpoint in the conflict.

Details of the attack according to the IRGC statement:

According to an official announcement from the IRGC, reported by Iranian state media on March 5-6, 2026, their naval forces attacked the oil tanker Safesea Vishnu (flying the Marshall Islands flag, owned or affiliated with US companies). The ship was hit in the northern Persian Gulf, near the Iraqi port of Basra – one of the region’s major oil export centers.

The IRGC stated: “The ship caught fire after being attacked for failing to comply with warnings and orders from the IRGC navy.” Several sources indicated the attack involved guided missiles or unmanned surface vessels (USVs), resulting in a large explosion and thick black smoke rising from the water. Video footage released by Iran showed the moment the ship burst into flames, with panicked crew members jumping into the sea.

According to unofficial reports from witnesses and international media:

At least one Indian sailor was killed.

Approximately 15 other sailors (mostly from the two affected ships) were rescued.

The Safesea Vishnu was carrying crude oil, but details of its tonnage and voyage have not been fully released.

The IRGC emphasized that this was a “legitimate defensive action” in the context of war, and warned: “In wartime, the Strait of Hormuz will be under the complete control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. All ships ᴀssociated with the US, Israel, or European countries supporting them will be attacked. Only ships from China and Russia will be allowed to pᴀss through.”