Image for representation purposes only Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy said that it prevented an oil tanker from entering the Strait of Hormuz since it did not obtain prior permission from the country nor cooperate with its Navy. IRGC claimed that explosions in the waters off Sirik in the southern part of the country were linked to the tanker’s interception. The IRGC Navy said that it continuously monitors the Strait and any vessel which attempts to cross the Strait will be dealt with ‘extreme firmness.’ Iran has reportedly announced the closure of Hormuz in response to increased U.S military attacks on key defence sites along the waterway and heightened military aggression, stating that the security had been undermined. The U.S. responded by saying that ships can continue to transit the waterway and said that Iran has no right to control or manage the international strait. The news came hours after U.S President Donald Trump announced that he had cancelled planned attacks against Iran and was hoping to reach an agreement soon.