Audio recording shows IRGC warning vessels against transiting Strait of Hormuz
London, June 14
The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned ships operating near the Strait of Hormuz against transiting the strategic waterway, according to an audio recording of a public maritime radio channel.
The recording, provided to Xinhua by a crew member aboard a commercial vessel near the strait, showed that the IRGC navy addressed all vessels operating in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, saying the Strait of Hormuz had been "completely closed" and that any vessel movement within the strait would be dealt with "decisively."
"For the sake of your health and safety, absolutely refrain from any movement in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice," the recorded message said.
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that a peace deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed on Sunday and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen immediately afterward.
Meanwhile, the US military said late Friday that it had downed several Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints and a key route for global oil and natural gas shipments. Maritime traffic through the strait has declined sharply in recent months amid escalating tensions and attacks on commercial shipping.
According to figures released by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), 46 incidents involving international shipping had been confirmed in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Middle East region as of June 11, resulting in 14 confirmed seafarer fatalities.
The IMO on Wednesday strongly condemned an attack on a tanker that reportedly left three seafarers dead. The US military later confirmed that it had carried out the strike.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The US downing Iranian drones and then negotiating a peace deal—classic double game. Meanwhile, innocent seafarers are dying. India must diversify energy routes, maybe push for more renewable investments at home. We can't be held hostage to these geopolitical games.
Another day, another escalation in the Gulf. Iran wants leverage, the US wants regime change. The common man in India or anywhere else just wants stable fuel prices. 46 incidents this year alone—something has to give.
India should call for an emergency UN meeting on this. The IMO report shows 14 seafarer deaths—these are real people, not pawns. Our Navy has experience in Gulf security; maybe we can play a mediator role? Bharat can't sit idle while our oil lifeline is threatened.
Honestly, both sides are acting immature. Shutting down a strait is economic warfare. Striking commercial vessels is state-sponsored piracy. Meanwhile, Trump claims a "peace deal" but his military is still bombing tankers. The world needs neutral arbitration, not superpower bullying.
This is terrifying for our diaspora in the Gulf. Many Indian workers are in shipping, oil, and logistics in that region. If conflict escalates, lakhs of Indian lives could be at risk. MEA should be issuing advisories and have evacuation plans ready. Stay safe, everyone. 🇮🇳
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