‘The enemy will be caught in a deadly whirlpool’: Iran claims ‘complete control’ over Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed its extensive control over the Strait of Hormuz, even indicating that civilian maritime traffic is allowed under regulated conditions.In a statement quoted by AFP, the Guards’ naval command said, “All traffic … is under the full control of the armed forces,” with footage showing ships targeted through the crosshairs. The warning was further extended with the message, “If the enemy makes a wrong move he will be caught in a deadly whirlpool in the straits.”
This statement came after the US President donald trump Ordered a US naval blockade of the strategic waterway, a move that sharply increased tensions in the region.Despite harsh rhetoric, the IRGC tried to downplay fears of a complete shutdown. In a separate communication, it said that, “contrary to the false claims of some enemy authorities”, the Strait of Hormuz “is open to the harmless passage of civilian vessels in compliance with specific relevant regulations”. However, it stopped short of clarifying what those rules included.The statement also drew a clear red line on troop movement, warning that, “Any military ship that intends to proceed towards the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and will be dealt with severely.”Trump, meanwhile, outlined a long-term objective in a social media post, indicating that Washington aims to clear the strait of mines and restore full commercial access. Until then, he stressed, Iran should not benefit economically from its hold on the route.Iran’s effective blockade of the strait began after the conflict with the US and Israel erupted on February 28, disrupting one of the world’s most important oil transit corridors and sending global energy prices soaring.Although a two-week ceasefire was agreed upon last week, its durability remains uncertain, especially after the recent collapse of US-Iran talks in Islamabad after Vice President JD Vance, who was leading the delegation, left Islamabad.