Iran's IRGC warns of retaliatory strikes against US allies in the Middle East

JAKARTA - The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran stated that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as the threat and intervention of the United States (US) against shipping in the region continued.

This statement was made hours after the US military announced it had attacked dozens of IRGC targets in Iran.

"The Strait of Hormuz will not reopen as long as excessive rhetoric, threats from American officials, and their interference with maritime traffic in the region continue," the IRGC said in a statement via Telegram, reported by CNN, Thursday, July 30.

Iran claims the Strait of Hormuz is under its control and frequently attacks ships that do not comply with its instructions.

"The Strait of Hormuz is our territory, and the tough sailors of the IRGC Navy have full control over it. Any outsiders who come from thousands of kilometers away will not be allowed to interfere," the force said, adding that the enemy would be punished today.

"Countries that help the enemy will receive a harsh response if they do not change their attitude," the IRGC said.