Tankers were spotted off the coast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, on March 3, 2026, as Iran vowed to close the Strait of Hormuz amidst its conflict with the United States and Israel. [Reuters/Amr Alfiky]

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessel fired on a tanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

Reuters reported that two vessels received a radio message stating they were not permitted to pass by the Iranian navy and were subsequently fired upon.

The radio message stated: "Attention all vessels. As the US government has failed to fulfill its promises in the negotiations, Iran declares that the Strait of Hormuz will be completely closed again. No vessel of any kind or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

The tanker captain stated that two speedboats belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard approached and opened fire on the vessel.

This incident occurred shortly after Tehran announced its resumption of restrictive measures on the Strait of Hormuz, a major maritime transport route.

The incidents were reported to have occurred in the waters between Qeshm Island and Larak Island. The vessels are reported to have turned back.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an incident 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman, stating that the vessel and its crew were unharmed, but did not disclose the type of tanker or its destination.

Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of the Iranian parliament, announced on Friday that Iran would blockade the Strait of Hormuz again in response to the US blockade of Iranian ports. 

Iran stated it was resuming control over transit through the strait. For seven weeks of conflict, Tehran had largely prohibited the passage of vessels without explicit authorization.

Iran's change in stance came amidst expectations of an imminent ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran.

President Trump told reporters during a bill signing ceremony at the White House on Saturday morning, "Things are going very well with Iran. Iran tried to block the strait again, but they can no longer intimidate the United States."

He explained that dialogue between the US and Iran is ongoing, with negotiations proceeding in parallel with the maintenance of a firm stance.

US NNP=Hong Seong-gu, Chief Correspondent / Special to this newspaper NNP info@newsandpost.com