IRGC: Strait of Hormuz will not reopen amid US threats; CENTCOM denies blockade breach

Published Jul 30, 09:34 PM UTC

On 30 July 2026, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as U.S. officials continue what it calls 'excessive rhetoric and threats' and interference in regional maritime movements. The IRGC warned that further threats and interventions would complicate the situation. In response, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) emphasized that the immediate dangers to commercial vessels and civilian crews stem from the IRGC's verbal threats and attempted attacks. CENTCOM also denied claims that a tanker had breached the U.S. naval blockade in the region. The exchange marks an escalation in tensions between Iran and the United States over the strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes.