Mostafa Izadi, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, responded Tuesday to President Trump's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is American territory, stating that the strategic waterway remains under IRGC control and that the enemy is helpless, according to security analyst Yair Goldblatt.
IRGC deputy commander Mostafa Izadi rejected President Trump's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is American territory, asserting Tuesday afternoon that the strait remains under IRGC control and that the enemy is "in a state of helplessness," according to security analyst Yair Goldblatt.
The statement follows a series of exchanges that began Monday evening (Aug 17, 21:18 Jerusalem) when Trump posted on X that the strait is "new American territory." Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded later that evening, mocking the claim and warning that the "illusion" would be corrected. The thread shows at least three versions of Gharibabadi's response within hours, signaling escalating Iranian rhetoric.
Over recent weeks, as The Zioneer has documented, the IRGC has repeatedly declared control over the strait. On Jul 12, the IRGC announced a temporary closure citing foreign intervention; on Jul 30, it claimed to have repelled two oil tankers; on Aug 1, it raised alert levels to maximum; and on Aug 13, its navy commander declared the strait closed. Each announcement came via IRGC statements, with no independent maritime confirmation.
Izadi's remarks were reported Tuesday through Goldblatt, who monitors Iran-affiliated media. The report is based on a single source and has not been independently verified. The Zioneer continues to track developments and will provide updates as they emerge.
5 developments
- DevelopingIRGC Navy commander declares Strait of Hormuz closed, claims full control over all traffic
- DevelopingIRGC insists on Strait of Hormuz authority after Trump declares US as 'guardian'
- StrongIRGC rejects American proposal, vows to maintain control of Strait of Hormuz
- ConfirmedIRGC spokesperson denies any talks with US, asserts full control over Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Open-source intake