Iran vows retaliation after US 'self-defence strikes' near Strait of Hormuz
Tehran, May 27
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened retaliation against the United States following American military strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and armed boats near the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC also claimed that 25 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under its coordination and security protection.
In a statement published by the IRGC's official news outlet, Sepah News, the IRGC Navy said the vessels, including oil tankers, container ships and other commercial vessels, safely transited the strategic waterway after obtaining authorization.
The statement added that the IRGC Navy is "firmly carrying out intelligent control" over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any "act of aggression" would be met with a "strong and crushing response."
Earlier, the US military struck missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran on Monday, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
"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 a statement.
"Targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats attempting to emplace mines. US Central Command continues to defend our forces while using restraint during the ongoing ceasefire," he said.
The strikes threatened an already fragile ceasefire that began April 8 as the United States and Iran struggle to reach an accord to end a war that has rattled the global economy with a severe disruption of energy flows.
Iran has maintained controls on Gulf shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite the US Navy enforcing a blockade on Iran's ports.
Last week, US Central Command said the naval blockade on Iran had redirected 100 vessels and disabled four.
Iran tightened its grip on the strait beginning February 28, when it barred safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following their joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The United States has also imposed a naval blockade on the strait, preventing ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway.
— IANS
Reader Comments
America says 'self-defence' but their strikes are deep inside Iranian territory. From our Indian perspective, we know what it feels like when big powers interfere in our region. Iran has every right to defend its sovereign waters. The Strait of Hormuz is their backyard, not America's.
The IRGC claims they coordinated 25 vessels safely past the Strait - that shows they are capable of managing traffic. Meanwhile US blockade has redirected 100 ships? This is hurting global trade. As an Indian, I feel we should push for neutral mediation at the UN. India has good relations with both sides, we should use that.
Both sides are acting like children. Iran bans Israeli/US ships, US strikes missile sites... and the ceasefire from April 8 is already broken? Our petrol prices will go through the roof again. Also, is nobody thinking about the sailors on those container ships? They are caught in the middle! 🚢💔
I don't trust either side fully. The US says 'self-defence' but we saw what happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. And Iran's IRGC is not exactly transparent about their operations either. The only losers here are ordinary people and economies like India that depend on stable oil routes. Modi ji should step up diplomatic efforts.
The Strait of Hormuz is not just a Gulf issue, it's a global issue. 25% of all oil passes through there. India needs to urgently diversify our energy sources and build strategic reserves. We can't keep being held hostage to these geopolitical games. Also, kudos to India for maintaining neutrality so far. 🇮🇳✌
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