Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Sunday warned again against military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz.
This would be considered a “clear violation of the existing ceasefire,” according to a statement released in the evening.
The strait is open exclusively for the peaceful passage of civilian vessels, not for military ships, the IRGC underscored.
Any approach, “under whatever pretext,” will be considered a breach of the ceasefire and will therefore be met with decisive and consistent action, the statement said.
Following the unsuccessful negotiations between the US and Iran, US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is of enormous importance for the global trade in oil and gas.
The US Navy will prevent all ships from entering or leaving the narrow waterway. The blockade is set to begin shortly, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The armed forces had also been ordered to intercept any ships that have paid tolls to Iran. “No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas,” he warned.
Trump also threatened massive military force in the event of attacks on US forces or civilian vessels.
Following the start of the Iran-Iraq war in 1980, Tehran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, driving energy prices up dramatically.
Even after the ceasefire in the current war began last week, only a few ships passed through the strait.
According to numerous reports, including one from the trade publication Lloyd’s List, Iran has implemented a toll system there. The Revolutionary Guard has also warned of sea mines in the area.