Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps on Monday threatened it would target US forces if they attempt to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
“We warn that any foreign armed force, especially the invading American army, will be attacked if they attempt to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz,” the IRGC said in a statement carried by state-run broadcaster IRIB.
According to the statement, any safe passage and navigation in the strait must occur in coordination with Tehran “under any circumstances.”
The corps also urged ships and tankers to “refrain from any attempt to transit” the waterway without prior coordination, warning that doing so could jeopardise their security.
Earlier, US Central Command announced its forces would “support merchant vessels seeking to freely transit” the Strait of Hormuz under President Donald Trump’s “Project Freedom.”
“US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin supporting Project Freedom, May 4, to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,” it said in a post on X.
