Tehran: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as the United States continues its threats and interference in regional maritime traffic. The IRGC emphasized that the current situation is untenable and risks escalating complications.

According to Anadolu Agency, the IRGC issued a statement asserting that ongoing US provocations and threats were the primary reasons for the closure of the vital waterway. The statement highlighted the recent incident involving two oil tankers allegedly attempting to navigate an 'unsafe route' south of the Strait, reportedly at the urging of US aircraft. This maneuver resulted in a fire aboard one of the vessels, prompting both to retreat.

The IRGC has declared the Strait of Hormuz as its sovereign territory, underscoring the IRGC Navy's firm control over the passage. The statement further stressed that no external power, particularly those from distant regions, would be permitted to interfere in the Strait's operations.

In a related development, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces had launched a 'heavy wave' of strikes against Iran. This action was described as a response to attempted missile attacks targeting US forces stationed in the Middle East.