The situation in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz has reached a breaking point following another violent incident involving Iranian armed forces. According to Iran's State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) struck the oil tanker Prima in the strait. According to Iran's official position, the vessel was attacked after its crew pointedly ignored numerous warnings and demands from the IRGC Coast Guard and Navy. This incident occurred in the context of Tehran's previously announced restricted navigation regime, which allows free passage through the strait only to vessels from friendly countries, specifically Russia and China. All other maritime traffic is considered by Iranian command as potential violators, subject to immediate interception or destruction if they disobey orders.

The strike on the Prima tanker is the latest in a chain of attacks on transportation infrastructure, which Iran is using as leverage against the Western coalition. IRGC officials previously announced the destruction of more than ten vessels attempting to violate the established ban on passage in the region. Such actions by Iranian forces confirm Tehran's serious intentions to completely cut off hydrocarbon exports to countries supporting the US military operation. The attack on the Prima has sparked a new wave of concern in global energy markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is a key artery for global oil supplies. Experts note that the vessel's ignoring IRGC warnings amid active hostilities and Washington's direct threat to confiscate all Iranian oil indicates a critical level of tension, where any error by the crew or navigational system leads to the immediate use of missiles and drones.