Iran welcomes American escort

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran sarcastically welcomed the U.S. statement about its readiness to ensure the passage of oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz with its military forces. An IRGC representative declared: "Iran firmly welcomes the escorting of tankers and the presence of American forces for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, we are waiting for them!" The statement also recalled past tanker incidents, including the 1987 bombing of the supertanker Bridgeton and recent attacks on ships.

In 1987, the American supertanker Bridgeton was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz and sustained significant damage. Since then, regional allies and adversaries have repeatedly discussed the safety of shipping through the strait.

Context

In 1987, the American supertanker Bridgeton was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, becoming one of the key events highlighting the importance of shipping security in this strategic waterway.