The Iranian military has issued a stark warning to the US, declaring its readiness to strike US regional centers if “aggression” against Iranian vessels continues, CNN reported.
The announcement comes amid a sharp spike in tensions within the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, US Central Command confirmed that an F/A-18 Super Hornet utilized precision munitions to disable two Iranian-flagged tankers that were attempting to violate the US-led blockade.
IRGC on high alert
The naval command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that any further military action against their oil tankers or merchant ships would trigger a “large-scale strike on one of the American centers in the region”.
The IRGC Aerospace Force echoed this sentiment, claiming that their arsenal of missiles and drones is already “aimed at the enemy”. “We are waiting for the order to open fire,” the statement read, signaling a potential readiness to bypass ongoing diplomatic channels.
Diplomacy vs. military realities
This military posturing directly threatens the fragile progress of US-mediated peace efforts. Currently, Washington and Tehran are working through intermediaries on a 14-point memorandum of understanding to establish a month-long framework for negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.
Iran has been asked to relax its control over the waterway in exchange for a 30-day easing of the US port blockade. Tehran has expressed an unprecedented willingness to discuss its nuclear enrichment program.
Talks are active regarding moving highly enriched uranium stocks abroad, though Iran refuses to send them to the US.
A fragile balance
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted on Friday that while the US is pushing for a “clear diplomatic solution,” resources are limited and must be balanced with other global priorities, including Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump has urged Tehran to “do the smart thing” and reach an agreement, while simultaneously warning of “serious consequences” should Iran violate the current fragile truce.
The conflict, which began on Feb. 28, remains at a critical juncture where a single miscalculation in the Strait of Hormuz could derail the closest opportunity for a settlement since the outbreak of hostilities.