Iran Admits Rogue Elements in Revolutionary Guards Attacked Ships in Strait of Hormuz

Recently, several attacks and sabotage incidents targeted oil tankers and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. Initial accusations pointed directly at the Iranian regime, which initially denied any official involvement. However, in an unusual move, Iranian officials or regime-affiliated sources offered a partial admission, claiming the attacks were carried out by "rogue elements" within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or independent militias acting without direct orders from Iran's senior leadership, including the Supreme Leader or government.

Iran’s explanation aims to distance the regime from legal and international responsibility, avoid direct military retaliation, and portray itself as unwilling to escalate the conflict. The United States rejected the "rogue elements" excuse, holding the Iranian government fully accountable for any actions by forces on its soil or under its control, regardless of internal factionalism. Washington demands immediate steps from Iran to stop these rogue actors, demonstrate effective internal control, cease threats to free navigation, guarantee the security of tankers and international trade routes in the Strait, and hand over or prosecute those responsible for the sabotage.

The New York Times reported that the rogue units belong to the IRGC, and Iranian officials admitted in talks with the U.S. that the attacks were a mistake. One source quoted said, "They came back to the table and said - we messed up." The source added that former President Trump was unbothered, warning that any attack on the U.S. would be met with a twentyfold response. A senior official described the situation as an ongoing power struggle within Iran, noting that the U.S. has many options should hardliners gain the upper hand.