Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Saturday the indefinite closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. interference in the West Asia region. The decision, reported by Press TV, will remain in effect until the United States ends its involvement in regional affairs.
IRGC Statement and Warning
An IRGC statement quoted by Press TV said the closure was ordered "in light of the security situation resulting from the unlawful intervention of foreign powers." It declared, "The Strait of Hormuz has been closed until further notice and will remain closed until the United States ends its intervention in the region. No vessel will be permitted to transit the strait."
The IRGC Navy warned against any military action under the pretext of the closure, stating, "Should the aggressor enemy exploit this development, which it, itself, has caused, as a pretext for committing another act of aggression against us, it will be met with a forceful response, and additional enemy bases in the region will be targeted." The IRGC also held the United States, Israel, and countries hosting military facilities used against Iran responsible for any consequences.
Diplomatic Efforts Amid Tensions
These developments coincide with Qatari negotiators traveling to Iran to ease tensions and facilitate the resumption of US-Iran talks after recent military escalations. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araqchi met with his Omani counterpart, Seyyed Badr Al-Busaidi, in Muscat on Saturday to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. Araqchi posted on Telegram that the talks covered various areas of cooperation.
According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the two sides also discussed mechanisms for safe ship passage under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Oman reaffirmed its support for diplomacy to reduce regional tensions.
US Position
US President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Washington agreed to continue talks with Iran after Tehran's request but reiterated that the previous ceasefire between the two sides is considered "over."
