After the U.S. military launched operations to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly warned an American destroyer in the passageway
military launched operations to de mine the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
After the U.S. military launched operations to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly warned an American destroyer in the passageway.
“This is the last warning. This is the last warning,” the Iranian forces radioed to one of the two U.S. destroyers in the strait, according to the Wall Street Journal.
“Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you, and I intend to abide by rules of our government’s cease-fire,” the U.S. ship responded, referring to the temporary pause in hostilities between the two sides.
The Hill has reached out to U.S. Central Command (Centcom) for comment on the reported radio message. The IRGC Navy, meanwhile, denied Saturday that U.S. ships passed through the Strait.
The IRGC Navy fully and authoritatively manages the intelligent control of the Strait of Hormuz,”
“The IRGC Navy fully and authoritatively manages the intelligent control of the Strait of Hormuz,” the military branch wrote in Persian on the social platform X. “Permission to pass is granted solely to non-military vessels in accordance with specific regulations.
“Reports published regarding the passage of U.S. vessels through the strait are denied, and any attempt by military vessels to pass will be met with the utmost firmness and resolve.”
Centcom wrote Saturday on X that its forces “began setting conditions for clearing mines” in the passageway.
The command added that the USS Frank E
The command added that the USS Frank E. Petersen and USS Michael Murphy, both guided-missile destroyers, transited the strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf “as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines” that the IRGC previously laid.
“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Adm. Brad Cooper, the commander of Centcom.
The IRGC has laid mines in the waterway and threatened vessels against passing through it in response to the initial U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran. Those threats resulted in vastly reduced shipping through the Strait, leading to a spike in oil prices.
