IRGC says US attacks will tighten closure of Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Tuesday night that its forces have initiated a "regret-inducing response" to recent U.S. attacks on southern Iran. In an official statement, the IRGC said the U.S. military had bombed multiple locations along Iran's southern coast, including civilian areas, describing the strikes as "blind attacks out of desperation."

The IRGC asserted that these attacks have "tightened the lock on the Strait of Hormuz," a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and have strengthened the resolve of its fighters to counter foreign forces attempting to intervene in the strait. The statement emphasized that the "regret-inducing response" to the aggressors has begun, with the first action being the downing of the 50th advanced American MQ-9 drone by the IRGC's modern aerospace defense system.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a remotely piloted aircraft used by the U.S. military for surveillance and strikes. The IRGC has previously claimed to have shot down several such drones in the region. The latest downing marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States.

The statement did not provide further details on the extent of the U.S. attacks or any casualties. It also did not specify the exact locations of the bombings, but referred to "multiple points" on the southern coast, which includes areas near the Strait of Hormuz.

The United States has not yet officially responded to the IRGC's claims. The situation remains tense, with both sides engaging in rhetoric and military posturing. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, as any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could have severe implications for global energy supplies.

According to Mehr News Agency (MNA), the IRGC's statement was issued on Tuesday night and was reported by the agency. The report added that the IRGC's aerospace force successfully intercepted the drone, marking a notable achievement in its defense capabilities.