Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps dismissed Donald Trump’s ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions amid threats of military action.
Iran Rejects Trump’s Ultimatum
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has unequivocally rejected Donald Trump’s demand to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Trump previously threatened military escalation if the blockade of the strategic waterway continued, delivering a profanity-laced statement.
IRGC Declares “New Order”
A statement posted on a social media account linked to the IRGC naval forces declared that “the Strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state, especially for America and Israel.” The IRGC announced it is finalizing operational preparations for a plan to establish a “new order in the Persian Gulf.”
Trump’s 48-Hour Deadline and Threats
On Sunday, Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran had 48 hours to reach an agreement or open the Strait of Hormuz, warning of attacks on Iranian power plants and bridges if the deadline was missed. He stated, “Tuesday will be the Day of Power and the Day of Bridges. Something like this has never happened. Open that p—ing strait, you crazy maniacs, or you will live in hell.”
Deadline and Iranian Response
The deadline expires late Tuesday night (2:00 AM Polish time). Trump had initially given Iran until Monday evening. Iranian armed forces command warned that further escalation by the U.S. and Israel would turn the entire region into “hell,” stating that the “illusion of defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran has turned into a swamp in which you will sink.”
Iran’s Blockade and Proposed Fees
Following the start of conflict between the U.S. and Israel with Iran on February 28th, Iranian authorities blocked the Strait of Hormuz—a vital sea lane for oil and gas exports from Persian Gulf countries. Iranian parliament is reportedly working on legislation to impose fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting Iranian “independence, control, and supervision” over the waterway.
Strait of Hormuz’s International Status
The Strait of Hormuz, the narrowest point in the Persian Gulf, lies in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, but is internationally recognized as a vital international waterway. Iran has not ratified relevant legal documents pertaining to its status.
