Key Takeaways
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy claims U.S. attacks disrupt reopening of strategic waterway.
- Transit capacity under Iran’s supervision has recovered to about 50% of pre-war levels over two weeks.
- Iran warns any further U.S. intervention will face a “crushing response”.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy has warned that United States attacks on Iran and interventions in redirecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting the strategic waterway’s gradual reopening, according to a statement issued on Thursday.
The guards stated that transit capacity under Iran’s supervision had recovered to approximately 50% of pre-war levels over the past two weeks. However, they noted that this expansion is only for vessels granted permits to use routes designated by Iran.
In response to U.S. military actions, Iran has warned that any further intervention would draw a “crushing response.” The statement emphasized that the strategic waterway’s reopening was being jeopardized by these actions.
The guards added that the transit capacity is currently only being expanded for vessels granted permits to use routes designated by Iran, indicating a controlled and selective approach to the reopening process.
This development comes after reports of U.S. military strikes on Iran, which prompted Iran’s attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain, according to the statement.
The warning from the Revolutionary Guards Navy underscores the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran over control and use of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil trade.
While transit capacity has shown some recovery, the guards’ statement highlights the fragility of this progress and the potential for further escalation in the region.
The statement also serves as a reminder to other countries that benefit from the strategic waterway’s reopening about the risks associated with U.S. interventions.
