The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing a warning shot at a vessel trying to access the waterway via an unauthorised route, the IRGC’s Navy branch said early today morning local time.
In a statement carried by the Arabic-language website of the semi-official, IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency, the IRGC condemned what it called “outside interference from foreign powers” in the form of multiple maritime vessels attempting to pass the Strait via “unauthorised routes.”
It noted a recent instance in which the IRGC fired warning shots at one such vessel.
\”Due to the precariousness resulting from this unlawful interference by outside parties, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the US stops its regional interference,\” the statement says.
No vessel or naval craft will be permitted to pass.
Senior U.S. officials said on Friday that the United States is demanding Iran officially say that it would stop attacks on ships in the strait and that all lanes will be open with no tolls through the canal.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday declared an end to the ceasefire, and said the U.S. and Iran had agreed to continue discussions despite an increase of hostilities this week.
About the Author
