The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the formal closure of the Strait of Hormuz in an official statement early Sunday, citing a vessel that was seized after warning shots. The IRGC warned that if the US attacks Iran in response, it will expand attacks to additional American bases across the Middle East and hold countries that facilitate US or Israeli activity responsible.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued an official statement early Sunday, July 12, at approximately 01:40 Jerusalem, formally closing the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to expand attacks on US military bases across the Middle East if the United States retaliates. The statement also warns that countries facilitating US or Israeli activity from their territory will bear full responsibility. This marks the latest and most explicit escalation in a series of IRGC declarations over the past 12 hours.
The Zioneer first reported the IRGC's closure announcement at 01:15 Jerusalem on Sunday, based on reports from Iranian state-aligned channels. A subsequent bulletin at 01:37 Jerusalem detailed the warning shots fired at a vessel that had deviated from its route and the seizure of that vessel. The initial report was based on a single source; by 01:37, the account was corroborated by multiple newsrooms citing the IRGC's own statements. The current statement, issued just minutes later, formalizes the closure and adds the threat of retaliation against US bases.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. The closure has been a recurring threat by Iran amid tensions with the US and Israel. As The Zioneer reported on Saturday, July 11 at 13:45 Jerusalem, the IRGC had already announced the closure of the strait following a US ultimatum, setting the stage for the current escalation.
Several details remain unverified. The identity and nationality of the vessel that was seized have not been disclosed, and there is no independent confirmation of the IRGC's account of the incident. The practical enforcement of the closure—whether it will be enforced by naval patrols, mines, or other means—has not been specified. The US response, if any, remains unclear, and the IRGC's threat to expand attacks on US bases adds a new dimension of uncertainty.
17 developments
- DevelopingMerchant ship attacked on Omani route in Strait of Hormuz, second such incident today
- StrongOil tanker hit by gunfire off Oman coast, crew safe — UKMTO
- StrongUKMTO reports vessel strike near Strait of Hormuz; no casualties
- StrongIndian embassy in Oman says vessel hit in incident off Oman coast
Source and signal
- Internal intake