Iran: Strait of Hormuz to remain closed amid ongoing U.S. threats

“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened as long as the threats and inflammatory rhetoric of U.S. officials, as well as their interference in maritime traffic in the region, continue,” the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement.

Iran says it is exercising strict control over entry into and exit from the strait, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas transportation. The U.S. military disputes Iran’s claim that the strait is closed, stating that commercial vessels continue to pass through it with U.S. assistance.

Two tankers reportedly attempted to pass through

The IRGC said that two oil tankers attempted overnight to pass through a route in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz that Iran considers unsafe, allegedly encouraged by U.S. aircraft.

Both vessels turned back shortly afterward after a major fire broke out on one of them, the IRGC said. It was not immediately clear what caused the fire, and there was no independent confirmation of Iran’s account of the incident.

“The Strait of Hormuz is our territory and the IRGC Navy has firm control over it. We will not allow any force coming from thousands of kilometers away to interfere,” the IRGC said.

In recent days, Iran has reported that tankers were stopped or attacked for attempting to pass through the strait without its permission. The IRGC said yesterday that it had detained three oil tankers.

U.S. launches new wave of strikes on Iran

The IRGC statement came after the U.S. military launched a new wave of airstrikes against Iranian targets.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it targeted dozens of IRGC facilities, including command centers and military infrastructure. Washington said the strikes were carried out in response to Iranian missile attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East.

Iran had previously launched ballistic missiles at U.S. forces in Jordan. American and Jordanian officials said the missiles were intercepted and that there were no casualties.

The U.S. military has repeatedly targeted Iranian naval facilities, air defense systems, as well as missile and drone sites in recent weeks. CENTCOM says the strikes are aimed at reducing Iran’s ability to attack commercial vessels.

Iran and U.S. present different versions of the situation in the Strait

Before the current crisis, a large number of tankers carrying oil from Persian Gulf countries passed through the Strait of Hormuz every day. Due to Iranian attacks, threats, and rising insurance costs, maritime traffic has been significantly reduced.

Tehran claims that only vessels receiving its approval may pass through the strait. The IRGC said it allowed 25 tankers, container ships, and other commercial vessels to pass through during the previous 24 hours.