The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday its intent to deliver a "harsh response" to nations it deems "involved" in supporting the United States, unless they alter their behavior. The IRGC affirmed the continued closure of the Strait
of Hormuz, citing ongoing "American interventions and threats" in the region as the reason. In a statement, the IRGC reported an incident last night where two oil tankers attempted to leave the unsafe maritime passage south of the Strait of Hormuz,
allegedly provoked by American aircraft. A fire reportedly broke out on one tanker, forcing both vessels to return immediately. The IRGC emphasized that "the Strait of Hormuz is our land, and our naval forces maintain complete control over it," stating that
"no intruder from thousands of kilometers away will be permitted to interfere." The statement further warned that "reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not possible as long as American threats and interventions persist in regional maritime navigation," cautioning that such
actions "will only exacerbate the situation."
