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.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
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.
