Fact Check: Did Iran launch a missile at a US-linked tanker near the Strait of Hormuz?

WASHINGTON, DC: A viral claim alleged that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched an anti-ship cruise missile at a US-linked tanker after it switched off its Automatic Identification System (AIS).

The claim has fueled speculation about a possible escalation in one of the world's busiest maritime corridors. Let's fact-check the claim.

Claim: IRGC launched an anti-ship cruise missile from Sirik toward the Strait of Hormuz

An X post by the account Hormuz Letter claimed that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched an anti-ship cruise missile from Sirik toward the Strait of Hormuz.

The post alleged that the missile targeted a US-linked oil tanker that had switched off its AIS while traveling along the southern route near Oman.

The post tied the alleged incident to Trump's remarks about reaching a deal on the Strait of Hormuz and the prospect of renewed denuclearization talks with Iran.

It presented the reported missile launch as evidence that Iran was asserting control over one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The X post stated, "Iran's IRGC has just launched an anti-ship cruise missile from Sirik toward the Strait of Hormuz per initial reports, with the likely target being an oil tanker sent by the US that switched off its AIS an hour ago while passing through the US-backed southern route."

It also added, "This comes as Trump simultaneously claims just minutes ago 'there's a deal on Hormuz and there will be a deal on denuclearization' with 'new Iran negotiations to begin Monday afternoon.'"

Fact Check: Unconfirmed; no credible evidence supports the claim

The claim is unconfirmed. There is no credible evidence that Iran's IRGC launched an anti-ship cruise missile from Sirik at a US-linked oil tanker that had switched off its AIS.

No official statements from the UK Maritime Trade Operations, the US military, allied governments, or major news organizations have confirmed the claim. They have not said that an IRCG missile caused the reported explosion or that the target was a US-linked tanker.

Details about the missile launch, the launch site in Sirik, and the tanker switching off its AIS come mainly from the original X post by @HormuzLetter and similar social media accounts. None of these claims have been independently verified.

Tensions indeed remain high in the Strait of Hormuz, and the IRGC has previously threatened or intercepted commercial ships in the region. However, that does not prove the specific incident described in the viral post.

Although President Donald Trump spoke about a possible Hormuz deal and renewed talks with Iran around the same time, there is no evidence linking his remarks to the alleged missile attack. Until officials or reliable news sources confirm the details, the claim should be treated as unconfirmed.