Tensions rise as the IRGC attacks a US-owned vessel in the Gulf.

By Danielle Harper Coleman

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly attacked a US-owned vessel in the Gulf early Thursday, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency. The attack occurred north of the Gulf near Basra, Iraqi waters, where two oil tankers were struck. One of them, the Safesea Vishnu, sails under the Marshall Islands flag.

Indian authorities reported that the vessel was hit by a “white-coloured unmanned speed boat carrying explosives,” resulting in a major fire onboard. One crew member was killed, while the rest were rescued. Fars shared footage allegedly showing a massive explosion on the ship during the night. The agency claimed the vessel “failed to comply” with IRGC warnings.

The attack comes amid escalating hostilities in the Middle East, following US strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iranians have been urged to “take over your government” by external figures, while domestic authorities have issued stern warnings against protests.

Iranian Police Chief Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan warned that anyone taking to the streets “at the enemy’s request” would be treated as an enemy. “All our forces have their fingers on the trigger and are ready to defend the revolution,” he said. State media also threatened that opponents and dissidents, inside or outside Iran, would face severe consequences, including property confiscation or death under Iran’s laws regarding cooperation with “hostile countries.”

Anti-government protests in December and January reportedly resulted in at least 7,000 deaths in a harsh crackdown, highlighting the risks faced by Iranians if they act against the government.

Meanwhile, exiled figures such as Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, have urged Iranians to prepare for action against the regime, encouraging strikes, home-based protests, and military personnel to separate from repressive forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called on Iranians to seize the moment to challenge the clerical regime.

The situation has intensified further with checkpoints across Iranian cities, internet blackouts, and reports of alleged drone attacks on Tehran targeting checkpoints and security personnel. Analysts warn the conflict could have severe consequences for civilian safety, regional security, and global energy markets.As tensions escalate, millions of Iranians watch closely, weighing the risks of dissent while facing the pressures of a rapidly evolving conflict.