The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has delivered a stark ultimatum to Washington, warning that continued military interference in the strategic Strait of Hormuz will result in an imminent and “irreparable defeat” for the United States.
The high-stakes warning, issued in a statement on Thursday, follows a volatile maritime incident in which an oil tanker attempting an unauthorized crossing caught fire, prompting two accompanying vessels to abruptly reverse course after witnessing the blaze. The IRGC asserted that the ships had been “encouraged and incited” by the U.S. military to navigate the unsafe passage, deliberately breaching regional maritime protocols.
“These hostile actions will bring you nothing except further disgrace and an irreparable defeat that you will soon experience,” the IRGC declared, addressing the U.S. directly. The statement further condemned American policies, adding: “End your interventions, which have produced nothing but an energy crisis and a reduction in agricultural fertilizer supplies for the world.”
The escalating confrontation follows a fragile Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Tehran and Washington last month, which was intended to de-escalate tensions following a cycle of aggressive exchanges initiated on February 28. Under the 60-day agreement, Iran consented to provide fee-free maritime transit through the vital chokepoint. In compliance, the Islamic Republic established a designated safe corridor for commercial shipping, explicitly warning all vessels against utilizing illegal routes.
However, the IRGC claims that the U.S. has persistently violated the accord by attempting to escort tankers through an unauthorized passageway. Tehran responded by shuttering the official corridor until Washington ceases its alleged interference in regional navigation.
“The powerful naval forces of the IRGC emphasize that the Strait of Hormuz is under our control and will remain completely closed for as long as the United States continues its hostile actions in the region. No oil tanker will be permitted to enter or leave,” the Corps asserted.
Delivering a final warning to international shippers, the IRGC concluded: “Any vessel that is deceived by the United States and attempts to transit the strait without coordinating with the Islamic Republic of Iran will meet the same fate.”
Source: Iranian media (edite dby Al-Manar)