Tehran, April 20 -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has claimed that US forces stationed in the Sea of Oman were forced to retreat after firing at an Iranian merchant vessel, according to a report, Press TV reported.

Citing Mehr news agency, Press TV reported that the US forces operating in the region targeted an Iranian merchant ship in an attempt to compel it to return to Iranian territorial waters.

According to the report, the action came amid wider maritime tensions involving the Strait of Hormuz and the movement of international shipping vessels.

It added that the US move was linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the return of Indian and British merchant ships, as well as control measures carried out by the ...