Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Closes Strait of Hormuz, Vows ‘Revenge’ Against U.S.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced early on July 12 that the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to all shipping—until the U.S. stops meddling in the region. The move came right after the IRGC fired warning shots at a vessel trying to sail through an “unauthorized lane.”

According to the IRGC statement, several ships tried to deviate from approved routes, ignoring repeated warnings. One vessel even turned off its automatic identification system—a serious safety risk—and was hit by a warning shot from IRGC naval forces. Some reports say a cruise missile was used. The IRGC blamed “foreign meddling” for the unsafe situation and declared the strait shut until further notice.

The statement also had a sharp warning: if “aggressors” use this as an excuse to attack Iran again, Tehran will strike back even harder—and go after new military bases in the region. The IRGC added that the U.S., Israel, and any country letting them use their bases for military threats will bear full responsibility.

This blockade came just hours after U.S. Central Command launched its third round of airstrikes on Iran this week—on the evening of July 11 Eastern Time. The Pentagon said Iran’s IRGC had attacked a commercial tanker in the strait, leaving one crewman missing, a fire onboard, and severe engine damage. The U.S. said it held Iran accountable and had given Tehran another chance to honor a previous understanding—but Iran didn’t follow through. So the U.S. kept hitting targets to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian ships and crews.

Soon after, Iran’s state media reported explosions in the southern cities of Bushehr and Asaluyeh. And earlier on July 11, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that Tehran had already turned down a U.S. request for talks, saying no negotiations will happen until Washington changes its stance.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials had warned Iran to publicly declare the strait open and promise not to target civilian vessels—or face consequences. Instead, Iran just shut it down.

On the same day, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a written statement vowing to avenge his father, the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and others killed in the recent clashes. He said revenge is “the people’s demand” and won’t be set aside just because of a leadership change.

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint—roughly 20% of global petroleum passes through it. The last time Iran shut it, during a war with the U.S., oil prices spiked and shipping chaos followed. This time looks just as serious, and global markets are already bracing for impact.