Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Wednesday declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz would remain closed "until the end of America's
evils." The US military has reinstated its blockade on Iranian ports to stop "Iran's ships or customers from entering or leaving." The IRGC warned that oil and gas export routes serving the United States and its allies could become targets if hostilities continue. In a statement carried by Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the force said energy exports from the region should be "either for everyone or for no one." "As long as America's mischief in the region persists, not a single drop of oil or gas will be exported from the region," the IRGC declared. In a statement, the IRGC accused the US military of attacking Iranian bases "under the pretext of hitting offending ships" in an attempt to conceal what it described as Washington's "defeat and inability." The Guard Corps claimed that no commercial vessel had attempted to violate what it called the Iranian blockade or escort US forces through the strategic waterway. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, said that Iran has "no commitments", adding that "Anyone asking Iran to return the passage through the Strait of Hormuz to normal is making an unreasonable request."
US Carries Out More Strikes Against Iran, CENTCOM Shares Video
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday said that it completed an additional round of strikes against Iran at 10 pm ET, July 14, hitting dozens of military targets near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas.
"U.S. fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels launched precision munitions against Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, and coastal defense systems during the seven-hour wave to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian crews. The strikes took place the same day U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The blockade went into effect at 4 p.m. ET today," the CENTCOM said.
US President Donald Trump threatened again to hit Iranian power plants and bridges. He told Fox News that Iran's bridges and power plants could be targets by next week unless negotiations resume. "You better make a deal, or you’re not going to have anything left," Trump warned.
Kuwait, Bahrain Come 'Under Attack'
The Kuwaiti Army on Wednesday said that it was responding to Iranian missile and drone attacks and urged the public to "adhere to the authorities' safety and security instructions." The air defenses in Kuwait intercepted “hostile targets” early Wednesday.
Bahrain's Interior Ministry said early Wednesday that its alarm sirens had been activated. In a post on X, the ministry said, "The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place."
