Iran’s IRGC claims drone attack on Marshall Islands-flagged tanker ‘Louise P’ in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s powerful paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said its naval units struck an oil tanker in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, claiming the vessel ignored warnings related to security restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The announcement came amid the widening regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, which has already led to missile exchanges, drone attacks and disruptions to shipping and aviation across the Middle East. 

Iranian state-linked outlets said the tanker was flying the flag of the Marshall Islands and was believed to be associated with American interests.

IRGC claims drone strike on tanker

According to a statement published by Sepah News, the IRGC’s official website, the vessel identified as “Louise P” was targeted by a drone while sailing in the Persian Gulf.

“An oil tanker with the trade name ‘Louise P’ with the flag of the Marshall Islands, one of the assets of the terrorist America, was hit by a drone in the middle of the Persian Gulf,” the IRGC said.

Iranian officials also described the strike as involving a “suicide drone” and said the tanker had been warned earlier about restrictions on navigation through the strategically vital waterway.

In a separate statement carried by Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC said another tanker identified as “Prima” had been targeted after allegedly ignoring repeated warnings.

"This morning, an oil tanker with the trade name Prima was hit by an exploding drone after ignoring repeated warnings from the IRGC naval forces regarding the prohibition of traffic and the insecurity of the Strait of Hormuz," the Guards said.

Earlier, the force had said it was “waiting” for American naval units to escort vessels through the narrow shipping corridor.

Regional tensions escalate

The incident occurred as the conflict across the Middle East intensified, with attacks and counterattacks spreading beyond the immediate frontlines.

Missiles and drones launched during the hostilities have disrupted air travel and triggered air defence responses across several Gulf states. Flights were temporarily affected at Dubai International Airport, while a major oil installation in Saudi Arabia was reportedly targeted.

Residents in Bahrain were also forced to seek shelter multiple times as interceptions were reported over the kingdom.

Iranian president apologises to regional states

Amid the rising tensions, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an apology to neighbouring countries affected by the attacks, while also rejecting calls from Washington for Tehran to surrender.

The president is part of a temporary leadership structure overseeing the country following a February 28 airstrike that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Despite expressing regret over the impact of the attacks on regional states, Pezeshkian criticised demands from Donald Trump for unconditional surrender.

"That's a dream that they should take to their grave," he said.

Trump warns of further strikes

In response, Trump said Iran would face additional military action as the conflict continued to escalate.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, the US President claimed Tehran had effectively backed down under pressure from sustained American and Israeli strikes.

“Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless U.S. and Israeli attack. They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries. They have said, ‘Thank you President Trump.’ I have said, ‘You’re welcome!’ Iran is no longer the ‘Bully of the Middle East,’ they are, instead, ‘THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,’ and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse! Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time. Thank you for your attention to this matter!“

(With AFP inputs)