Iran Revolutionary Guards: Non-compliant vessels face mines in Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Spokesman Hossein Muhibbi stated in remarks to the Iranian press that the Strait of Hormuz is entirely under the control of the Revolutionary Guards Navy and that vessels not complying with rules set by Iran have "no choice but to hit mines"; "Mines are waiting," he said. Anadolu Agency reported.

The statement came after the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) unit reported that crew members were evacuated from two oil tankers off Oman due to fires, and after the IRGC made a statement late in the evening claiming that two oil tankers hit mines in the strait.

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026; during this period, the Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil exports, was closed. With an agreement signed in Islamabad on June 17, 2026, between the two sides, it was decided to halt military attacks and reopen the strait; however, due to disagreements, implementation stalled and clashes resumed in July. Iran announced it closed the strait for the second time on July 12 following the US resumption of attacks on July 8.

Muhibbi also responded to the "Iron Gate" task force announced by US CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper. The task force was established to prevent the transfer of weapons, dual-use technology, and sanctioned materials to Iran across land borders and via the Caspian Sea. Muhibbi said, "Iron Gate is also merely one of those plans that remain on paper, existing only in the statements and announcements of US officials and CENTCOM commanders."