ARAB AND WORLD

Sat 27 Jun 2026 2:51 pm - Jerusalem Time

Escalation in Hormuz: Trump Accuses Tehran of Attacking Cargo Ships, Revolutionary Guard Denies Coordination with Washington

US President Donald Trump directly accused Iranian authorities of violating ceasefire understandings by launching aerial attacks targeting international navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump clarified that Tehran launched at least four offensive drones towards commercial ships crossing the strategic waterway, representing a dangerous escalation in the region.

The US President revealed details of the attack, indicating that one of the drones successfully hit the deck of a large cargo ship directly, causing significant material damage. In contrast, he affirmed that US defenses and forces stationed in the region were able to intercept and shoot down three other drones before they reached their targets.

For its part, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard quickly denied reports circulating about the existence of security coordination channels with the United States. The Guard's command affirmed that there is no truth to rumors about establishing a direct communication line with Washington to regulate movement in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that sovereignty in this passage is subject solely to Iranian administration.

Iranian media reports, specifically 'Press TV', had previously stated that the two parties reached understandings in Switzerland to establish a communication channel to prevent military escalation. The reports claimed that this channel aimed to avoid accidental incidents and implement provisions related to broader regional understandings, which the Iranian military establishment later denied.

In a firm statement, the naval forces of the Revolutionary Guard announced that passage through the Strait of Hormuz can only occur via the designated routes officially declared by Tehran. The statement stressed that the only law in force in the waters of the Strait is Iranian law, and under the exclusive supervision of its naval forces.

Iranian diplomacy entered the crisis through statements by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who affirmed that navigation security is linked to recognizing Iran's status. Gharibabadi warned that any security arrangements that ignore Iran's role as a key coastal state would not guarantee safe passage for ships, and could instead lead to disruptions in regional trade routes.

The Iranian official hinted that uncoordinated movements with his country could push Tehran to take strict measures that might affect supply chains in the region. These warnings come amid Iranian insistence on managing the maritime security file away from international interventions, which Tehran describes as illegal.

On the ground, informed sources reported that foreign oil tankers attempted yesterday to cross the Strait via routes not authorized by Iranian authorities. The sources clarified that these ships were forced to retreat and turn back after receiving strict warnings from Revolutionary Guard warships patrolling the area.

Regionally, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed held a phone call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss the implications of the situation. During the call, the Emirati minister stressed the need to adhere to signed international agreements and ensure the protection of vital waterways that represent the lifeline of the global economy.

The Emirati Foreign Minister concluded his remarks by emphasizing that responsible dialogue and serious diplomacy are the only way to overcome current crises. He called for respecting national sovereignty and adhering to international laws that guarantee freedom of navigation, stressing the importance of stopping all hostile actions that threaten regional stability.

Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under unclear arrangements or parallel routes that ignore Iran's role as a coastal state.

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Escalation in Hormuz: Trump Accuses Tehran of Attacking Cargo Ships, Revolutionary Guard Denies Coordination with Washington

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