Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a retaliatory warning following US strikes on several locations in southern Iran.
In a statement published by Iran’s official news agency IRNA, the IRGC said the US strikes had further heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The attacks have tightened the lock on the Strait of Hormuz even further,” the statement said, adding that Iran’s determination to prevent foreign powers from intervening in the strait had been strengthened.
Iran signals retaliation
The IRGC said the US strikes would receive a “regretful” response.
Iranian authorities also claimed that the country’s military had shot down its 50th MQ-9 drone belonging to the US. Details of the planned retaliatory attacks were expected to be released later.
US strikes targets in Iran
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had launched strikes against targets belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Following the strikes, Iranian media reported explosions in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Chabahar and Konarak.
Iranian state television also reported that Jiroft Airport in Kerman province had been targeted.
Ahmad Nafisi, deputy governor of Hormozgan province, claimed that a residential building and a wedding ceremony in the city of Kuhestak, in Sirik County, were targeted in the US strikes.
Strait of Hormuz in focus
The IRGC’s specific emphasis on the Strait of Hormuz has renewed concerns over the potential impact of escalating tensions on global energy markets.
As one of the world’s most important energy transit routes, any further disruption in the Strait of Hormuz is being closely watched for its potential impact on oil and energy prices and global markets.
The scope of Iran’s potential retaliation and the US response are expected to be among the key factors shaping the next stage of tensions in the region.
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