The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy stated Thursday that Tehran has increased vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two weeks, but accused U.S. operations of severely disrupting efforts to reopen the waterway. The statement comes amid a months-long series of IRGC maritime enforcement actions in the strategic strait.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy issued a statement Thursday afternoon claiming that Tehran has increased vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two weeks, but that U.S. operations are severely disrupting the reopening of the strait. The statement, reported by a single source, did not specify which U.S. operations it referred to or provide evidence for the claim.
The announcement follows a series of IRGC maritime actions in the strait and the Gulf of Oman over recent weeks. As The Zioneer has reported, the IRGC has repeatedly threatened to close or restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including warning vessels away from the Omani coastal route and firing warning shots at U.S. warships. The IRGC has also reportedly launched attack drones at U.S. Navy ships in the strait at night, according to journalist Amichai Stein (i24NEWS).
The current statement appears to be a rhetorical escalation rather than a new operational action. No independent confirmation of the claim was available at the time of reporting.
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