Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until the end of America’s evils”, while warning that other oil and gas export routes serving the United States and its allies could also be shut if the conflict escalates.The warning came as the US military launched a fresh wave of strikes against Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and reinstated a naval blockade on vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports.According to AFP, carried by Iran’s state television, the IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until the end of America’s evils.”
Trump weighs ‘devastating’ Iran offensive
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump held a Situation Room meeting with senior national security officials to discuss a potential devastating military offensive against Iran, Axios reported, citing three sources familiar with the talks. The discussions focused on expanding strikes beyond current operations near the Strait of Hormuz, with officials reviewing plans for attacks on strategic targets inside Iran.
Iran warns of broader energy disruption
The IRGC also warned that if Washington attempted to control regional maritime routes, the consequences would extend beyond Hormuz.“If Washington sought to block the region’s oil and gas exports by controlling maritime routes, other export routes serving U.S. and allied interests could also be closed,” the IRGC said in a statement. The group added that regional energy exports would be “for everyone or for no one.”The statement followed renewed US military operations in the region. Meanwhile, the Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had targeted US military facilities in Kuwait, according to Iranian state media.
CENTCOM attacks Iranian facilities
In a post on X, US Central Command (Centcom) said it had completed another round of strikes against Iran.“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) completed an additional round of strikes against Iran at 10 p.m. ET, July 14, hitting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas.”Centcom said US fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels carried out a seven-hour operation targeting Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities and coastal defence systems.“U.S. fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems during the seven-hour wave to further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews.”It added that the strikes coincided with the return of the US naval blockade. “The strikes took place the same day U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade went into effect at 4 p.m. ET today.”Centcom further said, “U.S. forces remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief.”Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced the renewed blockade and warned of further military action unless Tehran returned to negotiations.In an interview with Fox News, Trump said, “I’ll save the energy targets for last, but ultimately we’ll hit energy targets.”He added, “Next week comes the power plants, next week comes the bridges, unless they get to the table and negotiate.”Trump also said US officials had conveyed a message directly to Tehran. “You better make a deal.”
Regional tensions deepen
The latest escalation follows the collapse of a fragile truce reached in June after months of fighting between the United States and Iran. Tehran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz once again following the renewed hostilities.The IRGC also targeted US military facilities in Kuwait. Earlier the state media had claimed that the forces had struck what it described as command-and-control, logistics, fuel and military equipment facilities belonging to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.According to the Iranian forces, the strikes were carried out in response to what it described as US military actions against them and attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz and restrict shipping routes.Tehran also said its army launched drone attacks against US positions at Jordan’s Azraq air base. Jordan military later said it downed three missiles from Iran.Meanwhile, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry said air raid sirens had sounded across the country and urged residents to remain calm and seek shelter. Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said its air defences intercepted Iranian drones, while the state news agency reported that a fire had been brought under control. Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected suggestions that increased military pressure would force Tehran back to the negotiating table.“If the U.S. thinks that by tightening its measures against us, its military actions and its economic blockade, we will return to negotiations, it is making a mistake,” Gharibabadi told Iranian state television.According to the United States, Iran has attacked seven commercial ships over the past week, leaving nearly a dozen crew members dead, injured or missing. On Tuesday, one Indian crew member was killed and eight others injured after two Emirati oil tankers were struck by Iranian cruise missiles in the Strait of Hormuz.The IRGC acknowledged that two “offending” supertankers had been hit after ignoring repeated warnings but did not identify the vessels.
