IRGC Responds to US Navy Plan to Guard Ships Through the Strait of Hormuz

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it is watching Washington’s plan to deploy the United States Navy to escort ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and it is awaiting a concrete move from Washington. IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said on Saturday that Tehran was observing US officials’ announcements about plans to guard vessels traversing the strait: “We are waiting for their arrival.”

The US Energy Secretary said on Friday that the US Navy is preparing steps to escort ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with escort to be carried out by American forces as soon as it is deemed prudent.

Maritime traffic through the strait has slowed amid the rising tensions. Data from MarineTraffic, analysed by AFP, shows only nine tankers, cargo ships and container vessels have crossed the strait since Monday, with some vessels reportedly concealing their positions along the way. Traffic has declined since three ships were attacked last Sunday; since the incident, only three tankers and one LNG carrier have been recorded crossing the route.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most vital energy channels. Around 20% of global crude oil and almost 20% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) typically pass through the narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf to open sea.

Into the second week of the crisis, tensions between Iran and the United States escalated with new attacks in West Asia. Iran was reported to have launched missiles toward Israel, while the Israeli military said it had carried out retaliatory strikes. Explosions were also heard in Dubai and Manama. The Bahrain Interior Ministry urged residents to stay calm and seek safety where appropriate.

The Iranian military said its navy had launched a series of drone attacks targeting Israel and United States bases in the UAE and Kuwait.