Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of severe reaction against any military ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after two US destroyers passed through for a demining operation. The threat comes as peace talks between the United States and Iran began in Pakistan. Navigation in this strategic waterway remains hindered by mines laid by Tehran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, the ideological army of the Islamic Republic, stated that «any attempt by military ships to cross the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a severe reaction». The naval command of the Guards has «total authority to intelligently manage the Strait of Hormuz», and passage would be «granted only to civilian ships under specific conditions», according to state television (Irib).
This announcement follows the transit of two US Navy destroyers, as announced by Centcom. The ships passed through «as part of a broader mission to ensure the Strait is fully cleared of naval mines previously laid by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards». Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Centcom, said «additional US forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearing efforts in the coming days».
Meanwhile, direct negotiations between the US delegation, led by Vice President J.D. Vance, and the Iranian side began in Islamabad, Pakistan. Two sessions have already taken place, with a third likely. Donald Trump stated «I don’t care» whether a deal is reached or not, adding that the US is «winning anyway».
Reopening the strait, blocked since the war began on February 28, is a key condition of the ceasefire effective since Wednesday. Emmanuel Macron urged Iran to «seize the opportunity» of the talks for «sustainable de-escalation».
