Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Declare Hormuz Strait Closed, Issue Direct Threats to Shipping

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued an unusually blunt statement on Friday saying the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would remain fully closed and warning that any vessel trying to pass would be directly attacked. The announcement came amid heightened regional tensions and tied the reopening of the strait to political and military demands aimed at the United States and Israel.

In the official message, the Guards said the closure would continue until their conditions were met. They linked those conditions to the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanon, the complete lifting of the naval blockade, and the خروج of what they called the “terrorist” American forces from the Persian Gulf and the region.

The statement also addressed global shipping companies and international navies operating in the area, describing the waterway as an immediate danger zone. “All vessels have been instructed not to approach the Strait of Hormuz for their safety and security,” the Iranian statement said.

It ended with a direct warning: “Any vessel that violates this order will be a target for attack.” The message effectively made access to the strait contingent on Iran’s broader regional demands.