The Strait of Hormuz has been declared closed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as tensions escalate in the region. Ebrahim Jabari, an advisor to the IRGC commander, warned that Iran would respond forcefully to any vessels attempting to navigate this critical maritime route.
In a broadcast on state television, Jabari stated, “They should not enter this region. They will certainly face a serious response from us.” He accused the United States of being driven by a desire for the region’s oil and threatened to strike oil pipelines to prevent exports.
The Strait of Hormuz is a pivotal maritime corridor, facilitating the transit of approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas. Its strategic significance makes it a focal point in international energy security.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike targeting Tehran, prompting a response from U.S. President Donald Trump. He announced the initiation of a “major military operation” aimed at neutralizing what he described as imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of financing and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The stated objectives of the U.S. military operation include dismantling Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities, as well as preventing further destabilization in the region.
The IRGC has claimed to have launched missiles and drones toward Israel and conducted attacks on U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to provide Iranians with an opportunity to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On the same day, Trump tweeted that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The following day, the IRGC announced the commencement of what it termed the “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military bases. Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon these plans, threatening a “very strong blow” in retaliation.
Iran's IRGC has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed, escalating tensions amid military operations involving the U.S. and Israel. The situation highlights the strategic significance of the strait and the ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.
Source: BBC