The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US threats and interference in the region persist.
In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC announced that two oil tankers attempted to leave the “unsafe southern route” of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday night after being prompted by US aircraft.
It said one of the tankers caught fire, prompting both vessels to quickly reverse course.
“The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and the brave men of the IRGC Navy firmly control it. No outsider who has come from thousands of kilometers away will be allowed to interfere,” the statement said.
It added that, “With the help of Almighty God, the aggressor will be punished today.”
The IRGC also warned countries it said were assisting the aggressor, saying they would face consequences if they did not change their conduct.
“Countries that are involved in assisting the aggressor, if they do not correct their behavior, will receive a harsh response,” it said.
“The Strait of Hormuz is not reopenable as long as the excessive rhetoric and threats by US officials and their interference in maritime movements in the region continue, and threats and interventions will make the situation more difficult and more complicated,” the IRGC said.
This is a developing story…
