Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, May 27: Tensions in the Gulf region escalated further after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a stern warning to the United States following American military strikes targeting Iranian missile launch positions and suspected mine-laying boats near the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement released through the IRGC’s official outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC Navy declared that it remains in full operational control of the strategically critical waterway and warned that any further “hostile action” would trigger a “strong and decisive response.”
The IRGC also claimed that 25 commercial vessels, including oil tankers and container ships, safely navigated through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under Iranian coordination and security oversight. According to the statement, all vessels received authorization before transiting the passage, which remains one of the world’s most vital energy shipping routes.
The warning came shortly after the United States military confirmed carrying out strikes in southern Iran on Monday. According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the operation targeted missile launch facilities and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to deploy naval mines.
“US forces conducted self-defence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces,” CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said in an official statement.
He added that the US military continues to act cautiously while maintaining defensive operations during the ongoing ceasefire period.
The latest confrontation has raised concerns over the stability of the fragile ceasefire that came into effect on April 8. Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the conflict have struggled to gain momentum, while continued tensions have already disrupted global energy markets and shipping routes.
Despite increased US naval pressure and sanctions, Iran has maintained strict oversight of maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, US Central Command claimed that its naval blockade had redirected around 100 vessels and disabled four ships linked to Iranian operations.
Iran intensified restrictions in the region beginning February 28, barring vessels associated with the United States and Israel from safe passage after joint military strikes on Iranian territory. In response, the US also tightened its naval presence, restricting ships traveling to and from Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation, and any escalation in the region is closely watched by international markets and world powers.