The Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that any attack on Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels would trigger a strong retaliatory strike against US military bases and ships in the region.
The statement was issued in a social media post following recent intermittent clashes between Iranian and US forces in and around the Strait of Hormuz.
In a separate post, the Iranian Navy claimed that its missiles and drones had locked onto US targets and naval vessels in the region and were awaiting orders to fire.
Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz beginning February 28, barring vessels linked to Israel or the United States from passing through the strategic waterway after the two countries carried out joint strikes on Iranian territory.
The United States has also imposed a naval blockade in the area, restricting ships travelling to and from Iranian ports. In recent days, US forces have reportedly attacked several Iranian ships and oil tankers.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he expects to receive a message from Iran as uncertainty continues over the progress of nuclear negotiations.