Iran's Revolutionary Guards warn warships in Strait of Hormuz to follow security rules

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has issued a warning to warships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying vessels must comply with established security instructions or "face the consequences." The IRGC said passing ships are required to follow designated transit routes through the strategic waterway. The IRGC separately said an oil tanker struck two sea mines while crossing what it described as an "illegal" route in the southern part of the strait, causing a fire on board. Iran's Foreign Ministry blamed the "aggressive practices" of the United States and "the Zionist regime" for endangering navigational safety in the region, adding that the armed forces would respond "decisively and appropriately" to any military attack. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is not seeking war but would deliver a "decisive response" to any attack against the country. The warnings follow military exchanges after the United States struck Iran's Larek Island. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the focal points of regional tensions because of its critical role in global energy flows.