ANKARA

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps said Monday that it had hit an oil tanker it accused of trying to transit the Strait of Hormuz “illegally.”

According to a Revolutionary Guard Corps statement, the oil tanker Athena Nova, belonging to US allies, was hit by two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the strait.

The corps said after it was targeted, a fire broke out on the tanker.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. About 20% of global daily oil consumption — roughly 20 million barrels — passes through the corridor.

The development came after US and Israel launched a major offensive against Iran on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and regional locations hosting US military assets, heightening tensions across the Middle East.

*Writing by Berk Kutay Gokmen in Istanbul