The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing attempts by foreign-backed vessels to navigate unauthorized routes.
On July 12, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the IRGC stated in a release, "We have previously announced our firm response to foreign intervention and the illegal designation of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and we will disrupt the increasing flow of traffic in the strait."
Despite these warnings, the IRGC claimed that several vessels, encouraged by foreign powers, attempted to move through unauthorized routes and ignored calls to adjust their courses to approved paths.
The IRGC reported that it fired warning shots at one vessel that had turned off its navigation system and posed a threat to maritime security.
It further declared, "Due to the instability caused by illegal foreign intervention, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until further notice and until U.S. involvement in the region ends. No vessels will be allowed to transit."
The IRGC also warned, "If the aggressor enemy miscalculates or launches new attacks under the pretext of this incident, we will respond strongly, and new bases of regional adversaries will also become targets."
It added, "The responsibility for the consequences of such interventions lies with the United States, the Zionist regime, and the countries that have provided their territory as bases for these threats."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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