Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) chief has stressed that security in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is a regional responsibility, saying no extra-regional power has the right to threaten, exert hegemonic presence or interfere in the strategic waterways.
In a message marking the IRGC Navy Day on Thursday, Major General Ahmad Vahidi said Iran’s strategy in the region is “clear, principled and unchanging,” emphasizing that security in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz must be ensured by regional countries themselves.
“The security of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is indigenous and regional security, and no extra-regional power has the right to threaten, establish a hegemonic presence or interfere in it,” Vahidi said.
He described the IRGC Navy as a force forged through years of confrontation, saying it played a role in challenging US naval power during the eight-year Iraqi war on Iran in the 1980s and later in the capture of US and British military personnel.
On January 12, 2016, two US Navy boats carrying ten American troops entered Iranian territorial waters near Farsi Island. They were intercepted by the IRGC Navy and detained at an IRGC base on the island. The IRGC released them after determining their entry was unintentional due to technical problems, and the US officially apologized for the trespassing.
In March 2007, the IRGC Navy captured 15 British Royal Navy personnel in the Persian Gulf. They were held for 12 days and released after Iran aired footage of them confessing to entering Iranian waters.
Vahidi also referred to the IRGC Navy’s role in fighting the recent US-Israeli aggression saying the force strengthened its record by imposing controls on the Strait of Hormuz and forcing hostile naval forces to withdraw from the Persian Gulf.
The IRGC chief praised the force’s commanders and personnel, saying its strategic mission is to protect Iran’s maritime red lines and one of the world’s most important energy arteries.
“The Strait of Hormuz is the vital artery of global energy and a strategic red line of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Protecting it means protecting national interests, the security of the Iranian people and Iran’s dignity,” he said.
Vahidi further said the IRGC Navy, operating in coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy, is equipped with precision-guided missiles, attack drones, fast boats, electronic warfare capabilities and a coastal defense network.
He warned that the force is prepared to respond to any “miscalculation” involving unauthorized movement of vessels through waters under Iran’s management in the region.
“Any threat from the US-Zionist camp will be met with vigilance, unified command and the full preparedness of this force,” Vahidi said.
He called on IRGC Navy personnel to remain prepared to defend Iran and the strategic Strait of Hormuz, saying the force will rely on domestic capabilities, public support.
Iran restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the criminal US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28.
On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed the Pakistan-brokered Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), whose Article 5 places responsibility for reopening and managing the Strait squarely in Iran’s hands.
However, Washington attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the vital global energy chokepoint, resumed its airstrikes on Iran, and imposed a naval blockade in violation of the war-ending deal.
The unlawful US measures prompted Iran to declare the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic, sending oil and gas prices rocketing and sparking global shortage fears.
In a bid to control fuel prices, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that the Strait is open and that crude is moving through it.
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