Iran vows retaliation after US 'self-defence strikes' near Strait of Hormuz

Iranrsquos Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC has warned of a ldquostrong and crushing responserdquo following US military strikes targeting Iranian missile launch sites and minelaying boats near the strategically significant Strait of HormuzThe escalation has added fresh uncertainty to an already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran raising concerns over regional stability and global energy suppliesIRGC claims control over Strait of HormuzIn a statement released through Sepah News the official media outlet of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps the IRGC Navy said it continues to maintain ldquointelligent controlrdquo over the Strait of HormuzAccording to the statement 25 vessels including oil tankers container ships and commercial cargo vessels safely passed through the waterway over the past 24 hours under Iranian coordination and security supervisionThe IRGC said ships were allowed passage after obtaining authorisation from Iranian authorities underscoring Tehranrsquos tightening grip on one of the worldrsquos most important oil transit routesThe statement also warned that any further ldquoact of aggressionrdquo against Iran would trigger a decisive responseUS says strikes were carried out in selfdefenceThe latest tensions followed military operations conducted by the United States Central Command on Monday in southern IranCENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said American forces targeted missile launch sites and Iranian boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines in the regionldquoUS forces conducted selfdefence strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forcesrdquo Hawkins said in an official statementHe added that the United States would continue defending its personnel while exercising restraint during the ongoing ceasefire periodCeasefire under renewed pressureThe strikes have increased pressure on the ceasefire that came into effect on April 8 amid ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to end months of military confrontationThe conflict has already caused major disruptions to global energy markets and shipping routes with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a focal point of geopolitical tensions A significant portion of the worldrsquos oil exports pass through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international marketsAnalysts fear that any prolonged disruption in the region could further affect crude oil prices and international shipping operationsIran and US continue competing naval restrictionsIran has steadily tightened restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28 when it barred vessels linked to or affiliated with Israel and the United States following joint military strikes on Iranian territoryAt the same time the United States has maintained a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports and commercial shipping operationsLast week CENTCOM claimed that its naval operations had redirected nearly 100 vessels and disabled four others linked to Iranian activitiesIran however has continued to assert its authority over the strait and insists that maritime traffic remains operational under its supervisionStrait of Hormuz remains key global flashpointThe Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically sensitive maritime routes in the world carrying a major share of global oil and gas shipments Any military escalation in the region is closely watched by governments and energy markets worldwideThe latest exchange between Iran and the United States signals growing volatility in the Gulf region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader conflictBoth sides have continued to accuse each other of escalating tensions while international observers remain concerned about the potential impact on regional security and global tradeWith inputs from IANS