The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a forceful warning that any foreign military vessel approaching the Strait of Hormuz, regardless of the stated pretext, will be considered a violation of the ceasefire and met with severe consequences. The declaration, made by the IRGC’s public relations department on 12 April 2026, marks a significant escalation in the already volatile standoff between Tehran and Washington over one of the world’s most strategically critical maritime chokepoints.
According to the IRGC, the Strait of Hormuz remains “under reasonable control and management” and continues to be accessible to civilian vessels operating “in compliance with specific regulations.” However, the Corps made explicitly clear that this provision does not extend to military ships, whose proximity to the strait — under any circumstances — would be interpreted as a hostile act and a breach of existing ceasefire arrangements.
The warning comes in direct response to a declaration made by United States President Donald Trump on Sunday, in which he announced a naval blockade targeting “any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.” Trump further threatened to “blow” Iranian forces “to hell” should they fire upon US warships operating in the area. The remarks were widely interpreted as a dramatic hardening of Washington’s posture towards the Islamic Republic amid stalled diplomatic negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply transits daily, has long been regarded as a flashpoint of immense geopolitical consequence. Any disruption to navigation in the waterway would send immediate shockwaves through global energy markets and supply chains, with disproportionate impact on nations across the Global South that depend on stable oil flows for their economic stability.
The IRGC’s unambiguous statement signals that Tehran views any military encroachment on the strait not merely as a provocation, but as an act of war warranting a direct and forceful response. With both sides now drawing hard lines, the risk of miscalculation in the Persian Gulf has reached a critical threshold.
Find more details at Sputnik International.