The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that countries assisting the United States will face a harsh response unless they alter their behavior, confirming that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as American threats and interference in maritime navigation persist.
In Statement No. 54, the IRGC stated that the resilience of the Iranian people has helped confuse the enemy and bolster the resolve of the armed forces. The statement noted that two oil tankers attempted to pass through an unsafe route south of the Strait of Hormuz last night at the instigation of U.S. aircraft, but both quickly turned back after a massive fire broke out on one of them.
The statement emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is under the full control of the IRGC Navy, and no foreign power will be permitted to interfere, adding that the aggressor will face punishment.
The IRGC stressed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon ending U.S. arrogance, threats, and interference in regional maritime navigation, warning that continuing a policy of threats and intervention will only lead to further complexity and escalation.
Text of Statement No. 54 Issued by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps:
Nations Assisting the Aggressor Will Face a Harsh Response Unless They Alter Their Conduct
O proud and steadfast people of Iran; your determination, will, and endurance in the field have disrupted the enemy's ranks, strengthened the resolve of Islam’s fighters, and renewed their spirit and energy.
Last night, two oil tankers attempted to exit through an unsafe route south of the Strait of Hormuz, incited by U.S. aircraft. Shortly after a massive fire broke out on one of them, both vessels quickly turned back.
The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and the men of the IRGC Navy hold complete control over it with full strength. No foreign entity arriving from thousands of kilometers away will be allowed to interfere. By Allah's grace and guidance, the aggressor will be punished this very day.
Nations participating in aiding the aggressor will receive a harsh response if they do not adjust their behavior and amend their actions.
The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and cannot be reopened as long as the arrogance and threats from U.S. officials, along with their interference in regional maritime navigation, continue. The approach based on threats and intervention will only render conditions more difficult and complex.
