Iran’s paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that any foreign military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered a “violation of the ceasefire and will be a matter of hard power”.
“Any military vessels that approach the strait … will be considered a ceasefire violation and will be met with heavy force,” the IRGC said, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.
The Guards also asserted operational superiority over the waterway, stating: “All traffic… is under the full control of the Armed Forces.
Iran says it has “full control”, says the strait is open to civilian shipping
Iran’s naval command has insisted that the critical oil route remains open to non-military vessels under its watch.
“Contrary to the false claims of some enemy officials, the Strait of Hormuz is open for the passage of non-military vessels under intelligent control and management,” the IRGC said.
Officials reiterated that the strait is under Iran’s “intelligent administration” and operates under “special regulations” even as tensions escalate.
Trump ordered a naval blockade
The warning comes after US President Donald Trump announced a large-scale naval blockade of the strait following the collapse of nuclear talks with Tehran.
“Effective immediately, the United States Navy … will begin the process of BLOCKING all ships attempting to enter or exit,” Trump said.
He added a strong military warning: “Any Iranian who fires at us or peaceful vessels will BURN IN HELL!”
Trump described Iran’s actions in the strait as a “WORLDWORLD FAILURE” and accused Tehran of trying to collect tolls and intimidate global shipping.
Cease fire dispute and mine threats
Trump said the blockade was triggered by Iran’s failure to honor a truce condition requiring the strait to be reopened.
“Iran has promised to open the Strait of Hormuz… they better start the process of opening this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY AND FAST!” he said.
The US also accused Iran of laying naval mines and creating insecurity that discouraged commercial shipping.
US Navy operations and growing risk
The US military said two navy destroyers had already passed through the strait and had begun operations to ensure safe passage for the tankers, including efforts to neutralize threats such as mines and drones.
However, Iran disputed the claims, highlighting the conflicting narratives of the two sides.
The IRGC has previously warned adversaries that they could be trapped in a “death vortex” if they challenge Iran’s control of the waterway.
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Talks break down despite ‘progress’
The escalation followed a breakdown of high-level talks in Islamabad that lasted nearly 20 hours.
While Trump said “most points have been agreed,” he emphasized that negotiations had failed on the key issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
“I’ve always said… IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!” he repeated.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the delegation, said Washington had presented its “final and best offer”, adding: “We’ll see if the Iranians accept it.
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