IRGC retaliatory strikes
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps says it has targeted some American military sites in the region, in retaliation for evil acts by the US terrorist army. In a statement, the IRGC said its naval and aerospace forces launched a combined missile and drone attack against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. It said the strikes set fire to fuel depots at the base, and destroyed the fleet’s Patriot radar, air-control radar, and a CRAM early warning radar system. The IRGC also said a command and monitoring center for unmanned guided boats was completely destroyed. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps has also said that it launched ballistic missiles at US forces and key facilities at an airbase in Jordan. Earlier, the IRGC said it stopped two supertankers that were trying to cross the Strait of Hormuz through a route not authorized by Iran. It added that the two supertankers, which were instigated by terrorist US forces, had turned off their navigation and monitoring systems, and ignored the warnings issued by the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
Iran Hormuz Strait control
The Iranian Army says the country’s armed forces won’t budge an inch on the Strait of Hormuz, warning the waterway will not be reopened by American roguery and aggression. Army Spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia says the strait will only be reopened by respecting the rights of the Iranian nation. The general says the US must abide by the arrangements predicted in the memorandum of understanding it signed with Iran. Earlier, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mocked US President Donald Trump for vowing to impose 20% charges for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said providing secure and safe passage to commercial vessels is a service that should be compensated. The foreign minister noted that Iran remains the GUARDIAN of the strait and will levy fairer fees for transit through the strait.
Oil prices surge
Global financial markets have responded negatively to tensions in West Asia, with oil prices surging and stock markets sliding. Brent crude climbed nearly 10%, marking its sharpest daily gain in years. Major stock indexes across Asia, Europe, and the United States also fell, as investors moved away from riskier assets. The turbulence comes amid US acts of aggression on southern Iran as well as retaliatory strikes by the Islamic Republic. Before the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran in late February, around one-fifth of global oil supplies passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that any prolonged instability could further disrupt global trade and place more pressure on the world’s economy.
