The Lead
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has officially announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports confirmed by security analyst Yair Goldblatt early Sunday morning. The move follows a final ultimatum from the Trump administration demanding the reopening of the critical waterway and the acceptance of ceasefire terms.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an official statement early Sunday confirming the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most vital maritime oil chokepoint. The announcement, first monitored by The Zioneer at 01:15, was subsequently cited by security analyst Yair Goldblatt on X. While the IRGC has formalized the blockade, the statement did not provide specific details regarding the duration, scope, or the precise enforcement measures to be employed against international shipping.
This escalation follows a period of intense pressure from the United States. Earlier on Saturday, a senior Trump administration official told ABC News that Tehran had until the evening to declare the waterway open and agree to ceasefire terms, warning that failure to comply would result in a "sad day" for the Islamic Republic. Reports suggest that while some elements within the Iranian regime sought further talks to resolve the standoff, the IRGC's official declaration indicates a rejection of the American ultimatum.
The closure marks a significant transition from the prior state of intermittent kinetic warfare to a formalized blockade. The Trump administration's "negotiating under fire" doctrine has prioritized maritime security, with U.S. officials demanding a public commitment from Iran to cease firing at commercial vessels. With the IRGC now officially declaring the strait closed, the focus shifts to the potential for a large-scale military response from the United States and its regional allies to restore freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf.
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