Iran’s Guards will view military vessels approaching strait as ceasefire breach

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said ​on Sunday that ‌any military vessels attempting to approach the ​Strait of Hormuz ​will be considered a ⁠violation of ​the two-week United States ceasefire ​and will be dealt with harshly and decisively.

The strait ​is under ​the control and ‘smart management’ of ‌Iran’s ⁠Navy, the Guards said in a statement reported by ​Iranian ​state ⁠media, adding it is “open for ​the safe passage ​of ⁠non-military vessels in accordance with specific ⁠regulations”.

President Donald Trump ​said on Sunday the US Navy would start blockading the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes after marathon talks with Iran failed to reach a deal to ‌end the war, jeopardising a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Read More: Trump thanks Pakistan for hosting talks, announces US Navy blockade of Hormuz

Trump also said in a post on Truth Social that the US would take action against every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran, and begin destroying mines that he said the Iranians had dropped in the strait, a choke point for about 20% of global energy supplies that Iran has blocked.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded with a statement warning that military vessels approaching the strait will ​be considered a ceasefire breach and dealt with harshly and decisively, underlining the risk of a dangerous escalation.

Six weeks of fighting have killed thousands, roiled the global economy and sent ​oil prices soaring as Iran prevented traffic through the strait.