Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has intensified operations in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions with the United States, according to a U.S. military official. The official disclosed that the IRGC has employed unarmed spotter boats to identify potential targets, including U.S. naval vessels, following American strikes that significantly degraded Iran’s radar capabilities.
In a previously undisclosed incident, U.S. forces encountered an Iranian vessel carrying these spotters, commanded its crew to abandon ship, and subsequently destroyed the boat. No casualties were reported in the engagement.
The United States has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports while imposing stricter sanctions in an effort to pressure Tehran into negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Despite Iranian assertions of control over the strategic waterway, U.S. military representatives assert that American forces, alongside regional partners, continue to ensure the safe passage of oil shipments through the strait.
Recent developments have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global energy supplies. Maritime analytics firm Kpler reported a sharp drop in oil volumes transiting the strait, with only 2.9 million barrels passing through on October 11, down from nearly 20.8 million barrels on October 8. Prior to the conflict, the strait averaged approximately 17.1 million barrels daily.
This disruption has contributed to ongoing volatility in energy markets, where elevated shipping and insurance costs are exerting additional upward pressure on oil prices. The situation is further complicated by domestic political considerations in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections, which will determine congressional control. Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran is determined to prevent U.S. President Donald Trump from lowering oil prices before the vote.
Tehran has also issued warnings that it is moving closer to a full closure of the strait to any vessels that violate its imposed restrictions, raising concerns over potential escalations that could further jeopardize global energy supply stability.