Iran Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Closed Until US Ends Military Action

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends what Tehran describes as its "acts of aggression," further escalating tensions in a conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and heightened security concerns across the Gulf.

The warning came on Wednesday as fighting between the United States and Iran continued, with both sides exchanging military strikes in what has become one of the most serious confrontations in the region in recent years.

In separate statements carried by Iranian state television, the IRGC said its forces had launched attacks on United States military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait following American strikes on Iranian territory.

The Guards also warned that additional oil and gas export routes serving the interests of the United States and its allies could become targets if hostilities continue.

"Oil and gas exports from the region will either be available for everyone or for no one," the IRGC said.

The statement, however, did not identify which additional routes could be affected.

Reaffirming Iran's position on the strategic waterway, the Revolutionary Guards declared that military operations would continue until Washington halted its campaign.

"The retaliatory operations of the fighters will continue, and the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States ends its acts of aggression," the statement added.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime trade corridors, handling a significant proportion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway has the potential to affect international energy supplies and global oil prices.

US Maintains Shipping Routes Must Remain Open

United States officials have consistently rejected Iran's assertion that it can dictate navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining that international shipping lanes must remain open under international law.

The latest escalation followed renewed American military operations targeting Iranian positions after Washington accused Tehran of attacking commercial shipping and threatening regional stability.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces carried out strikes against multiple Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and other coastal locations to reduce Iran's capability to threaten commercial vessels and civilian crews.

Iranian media reported explosions near the strategic port city of Bandar Abbas, as well as on Qeshm Island and around Bandar Imam Khomeini following the strikes.

Missile and Drone Attacks Spread Across the Gulf

Shortly after the American operation, air raid sirens sounded in Bahrain, while authorities in Kuwait and Jordan reported intercepting drones and missiles launched from Iran.

Iran's state news agency, IRNA, reported that Iranian forces also carried out a drone attack against a military installation in Jordan that hosts United States aircraft.

The IRGC separately claimed responsibility for strikes against American military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could expand its military campaign if Tehran refuses to return to negotiations.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States was prepared to widen its list of military targets.

"Next week it gets really bad for them," the president said, referring to Iran.

Shipping and Energy Markets Under Pressure

The renewed confrontation has intensified concerns over the safety of international shipping through the Gulf.

Since the conflict escalated, crude oil prices have risen sharply amid fears of prolonged disruption to one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

According to maritime security reports, a Norwegian oil tanker was damaged by an explosion caused by an unidentified device off the coast of Oman early Tuesday.

Kuwaiti authorities also reported that one of the country's naval vessels was struck during an Iranian missile and drone attack, leaving four crew members injured.

The United States has accused Iran of deliberately targeting commercial shipping in the region.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran had attacked seven commercial vessels during the past week, resulting in civilian casualties.

"US forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives," Cooper said.

Trump Drops Planned Hormuz Levy

Amid the growing crisis, President Trump announced that the United States would no longer proceed with a proposed 20 per cent levy on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Instead, he said Washington would pursue expanded trade and investment agreements with Gulf states.

"I have decided to replace the 20% United States Reimbursement Fee with Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Regional Tensions Continue to Rise

The conflict has also drawn reactions from Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran against expanding attacks to Israeli territory, saying any such action would be met with a decisive military response.

Speaking from Dimona, Netanyahu cautioned Tehran not to assume Israel would remain passive.

"The days are over when someone strikes us, and we don't hit back with a decisive blow," he said.

As military operations continue across the region, international attention remains focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a wider regional conflict and restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that remains central to global energy security and international trade.

AFP