Hormuz Showdown: IRGC Claims Full Control as US Weighs Strikes
Iran's IRGC asserts total control over the Strait of Hormuz as the US considers military strikes and tensions escalate over oil routes.
The strategic waters of the Persian Gulf have become a flashpoint of extreme tension as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted on Saturday that Iran maintains absolute control over the Strait of Hormuz. This bold claim comes at a time when the United States is contemplating fresh military strikes against Iran, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation in one of the world's most critical energy arteries.
Supertankers Hit Mines in 'Unauthorized' Route
Adding to the volatility, the IRGC Navy has alleged a significant maritime incident involving two supertankers. According to a statement from the IRGC Navy's Public Relations Office, reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), these vessels struck naval mines while attempting to navigate what Tehran termed an "unauthorised southern route" through the strait.
The consequences of the blasts were severe. The IRGC reported that explosions and intense fires erupted in the engine rooms of the tankers, rendering them disabled and forcing the crews to abandon ship. The stakes were immense, as the two vessels were reportedly carrying a combined cargo of more than 4.5 million barrels of crude oil. However, these claims remain unverified, with no independent confirmation from the ship operators or external sources.
Iran Defies US Naval Presence
Tehran has wasted no time in challenging Washington's narrative regarding Iranian military strength. Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of the General Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, delivered a scathing critique of the US Navy's capabilities in the region, claiming that Iranian forces have rendered them ineffective.
"The US president must only dream of their military and army entering the Persian Gulf again. They will take this wish to their graves," Abdollahi stated via Press TV. "We will under no circumstances and at no time allow US military vessels to enter the Persian Gulf."
General Abdollahi also took aim at President Donald Trump's assertions regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities. He questioned why the US continues to express concern over Tehran's nuclear programme if, as Trump has claimed, the facilities had already been destroyed. Abdollahi dismissed these statements as "delusions" designed to mislead the public.
The US Response: Energy Flow and Military Options
While Iran paints a picture of total dominance, the US government presents a different reality. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took to X to argue that Iran's attempts to disrupt maritime traffic have failed. Bessent noted that oil exports from the Persian Gulf have actually surpassed pre-conflict levels, asserting that the flow of energy to global markets remains uninterrupted despite Tehran's threats.
Is a Strike Imminent?
The possibility of immediate military action was raised by US Ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack. In an interview with entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, Barrack suggested that a US strike on Iran could potentially occur over the weekend.
Despite the looming threat of violence, Barrack indicated that diplomatic channels remain open. He mentioned ongoing efforts involving regional players such as Pakistan and Qatar. The key points of contention currently under discussion include:
- Control and security of the Strait of Hormuz.
- Uranium enrichment levels.
- The relief of economic sanctions.
- The unfreezing of Iranian assets.
- Security commitments regarding Israel.
While Ambassador Barrack spoke of the absolute possibility of a weekend strike, President Trump appeared to distance himself from these specific remarks when questioned about the likelihood of an immediate attack.