While the United States had demanded that the Iranian regime confirm that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open, Iranian state-run media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced the closure of the strategic waterway after firing on a ship in the Persian Gulf.
Reuters also reported, citing the IRGC Navy, that a vessel which the IRGC claimed was attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz through an “unauthorized route” was stopped with warning shots after allegedly ignoring repeated warnings.
Third Round of U.S. Strikes Against Iran’s Regime After IRGC Closes Strait Of Hormuz
In a statement, the IRGC claimed that several vessels, “incited by foreign powers,” had attempted to travel outside designated shipping lanes and had ignored issued warnings. The statement also claimed that one of the vessels had endangered maritime security by turning off its identification systems and was therefore targeted with warning fire.
The statement further said that, due to what the IRGC described as “insecurity caused by the unlawful intervention of foreign powers,” the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until further notice and until what it called “U.S. interference in the region” comes to an end. It added that no vessel will be permitted to pass through the waterway.
The IRGC also warned that if the United States or other parties use the incident as a pretext for new military action, the Iranian regime will respond with greater force and will attack additional U.S. military targets in the region.
