In a statement, the IRGC Navy’s public relations office said the vessels had switched off their radar and navigation systems and ignored warnings from Iranian forces as they attempted to leave through the southern part of the strategic waterway.
The IRGC Navy warned that unauthorized routes through the strait were mined, stressing that the vessel owners and crews are responsible for attempting to use them.
It also urged maritime operators not to rely on claims made by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media regarding navigation through the waterway.
“The facts on the ground will determine the outcome. Any provocative action, supported by the terrorist and invading US military’s act of mischief, that disregards the regulations governing the Strait will be met with a resolute response,” the statement concluded.
Separately, Iranian Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz remained under the strategic control of Iran’s armed forces and would stay closed until the Islamic Republic’s conditions were fully met.
Iran restricted transit through the strait in response to the US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28 and ended in early April after 40 days of fighting.
On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed a Pakistan-brokered memorandum of understanding (MoU). Article 5 of the agreement assigns Iran responsibility for reopening and managing the strait.
However, Washington attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the Strait and imposed a naval blockade in violation of the war-ending deal, prompting Tehran to declare the vital global energy chokepoint closed to all traffic.