ESCALATION: Heavy Fire Reported in Strait of Hormuz as Iran Rejects U.S. Naval Blockade

The fragile ceasefire has been pushed to the brink following a direct attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz near Oman. According to latest reports, IRGC gunboats targeted a merchant vessel with heavy gunfire. While the vessel sustained significant damage, the crew is reported to be safe. This tactical escalation comes immediately after the initial two-week ceasefire period ended and follows the U.S. Navy’s refusal to release the crew of an Iranian ship seized earlier. Defense Expert Commander (Retd.) Bikramjeet Singh notes that while the U.S. has unilaterally extended the ceasefire, the IRGC is signaling its refusal to accept the status quo of the naval blockade.

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