Iran warns US strikes will 'tighten the lock' on Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said US strikes on its positions would “tighten the lock” on the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran launched what Iranian media described as a “decisive operation” against US targets following a fresh escalation between the two countries, reported Reuters.

The IRGC's statement came after the United States said it had launched strikes against IRGC targets in Iran over what Washington described as recent attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and attacks on American military personnel in the region.

Also Read: Trump says US launches ‘large and powerful’ strikes on Iranian targets near Strait of Hormuz


Iranian semiofficial media reported that the country's forces had begun firing missiles and drones in response to the US strikes. The developments mark a renewed flare-up in hostilities after a month without direct military action between the two sides.

US President Donald Trump said earlier that American forces were carrying out strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz and warned Tehran against retaliating.

“The United States is, as we speak, striking Iranian Targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes are large and powerful, and in retaliation for the Iranians’ failed attempt at adding sea mines to the Strait, which currently has no mines (They have been completely removed or detonated!), and the Iranians shooting eight missiles, all successfully knocked down, at our Military Base in Jordan. If the failed Nation of Iran retaliates for this very justified attack, they will be hit again at a much harder and higher level, but it will not be the biggest attack of them all, that is waiting in the wings and, when it is over, there will be very little left of the Islamic Republic of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Also Read: Trump says US gave Iran many chances, dismisses value of any deal: Report

Trump said the US action was in response to what he described as an Iranian attempt to place sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the launch of eight missiles at a US military base in Jordan. He said all eight missiles were successfully intercepted.

The latest exchange represents a fresh escalation around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have implications for international energy markets, oil prices and global trade.