Tehran: Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it is “waiting” for US forces to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in the region.

IRGC spokesman Ali Mohammad Naini said Tehran was closely monitoring developments after the United States signalled that its navy could begin escorting commercial vessels through the vital shipping route.

“We are waiting for their presence,” Naini said, according to Fars News Agency.

Warning referencing 1987 tanker incident

The IRGC spokesman also referenced the Bridgeton tanker incident, when a US-flagged supertanker struck a mine in the Persian Gulf while being escorted by the US Navy.

“We recommend that before making any decision, the Americans remember the fire of the American supertanker Bridgeton in 1987 and the oil tankers that were recently targeted,” Naini said.

The incident occurred during the late stages of the Iran-Iraq War, when both sides targeted oil shipping in what became known as the “Tanker War.”

Strategic waterway under pressure

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow corridor. Recent attacks on shipping and rising tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have heightened concerns about the safety of commercial vessels transiting the waterway.

Washington has said it is considering escorting ships through the strait to ensure safe passage if the security situation worsens. Iran’s latest remarks highlight the growing risks of confrontation in the Gulf as regional tensions continue to escalate.