IRGC guarantees Strait of Hormuz transit rights for nations expelling US and Israeli ambassadors

Tehran — The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) of Iran has affirmed that it will grant full passage rights through the Strait of Hormuz to ships from Arab or European nations that expel the ambassadors of the United States and Israel.

“Any Arab or European nation that expels the ambassadors of Israel and the United States from its territory will be granted full freedom and passage rights in the Strait of Hormuz from tomorrow onwards,” according to a written statement from the IRGC as reported by Iranian state media on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the United States has threatened to attack Iran “20 times harder” in intensity than current operations if Tehran blocks oil supplies at the Strait of Hormuz, said President Donald Trump.

“If Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, they will be attacked by the United States twenty times harder than what they have faced so far,” Trump said via Truth Social on Tuesday (10 March).

He stated that the US would also target easily destroyed facilities, making it “impossible for Iran to rebuild its nation” as “death, fire, and fury will reign over them”.

“But I hope, and pray, that this does not happen!” said the US President.

Trump characterised this as a “gift” from the US to China and all nations heavily dependent on the smooth passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

“I hope this move will receive much appreciation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reaffirmed that Iran is not closing the Strait of Hormuz or obstructing navigation in the region.