The Navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned on 10 May that any "aggression" against Iranian oil tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy retaliatory strike against a US military centre in the region and "enemy" ships. The warning was issued in a post on social media platform X, as sporadic clashes between Iran and the United States continued in and around the Strait of Hormuz.

Escalating Tensions at the Strait of Hormuz

Clashes between Iranian and US forces in and around the Strait of Hormuz erupted on Thursday and Friday, marking a sharp escalation in hostilities. The confrontations follow a period of tightening Iranian control over the strategically critical waterway, which carries an estimated 20% of the world's seaborne oil traffic.

According to reports, Iran began restricting passage through the strait from 28 February, barring vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States. This move came after the two countries reportedly launched joint strikes on Iranian territory. The United States, in turn, has imposed a naval blockade on the strait, preventing ships to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway. The US military has attacked several Iranian ships and oil tankers over the past days, according to reports.

IRGC Aerospace Division: Missiles and Drones Locked on US Targets

In a separate post on X, the IRGC's Aerospace Division stated that its missiles and drones have "locked onto US targets in the region and ships of the aggressive enemy." The division added: "We are awaiting the order to fire."

This comes amid a broader pattern of Iranian deterrence signalling — the IRGC has periodically issued such warnings during past periods of US-Iran naval friction, though analysts note the current standoff is among the most volatile since the 2019 tanker crisis.

Trump Signals Possible Escalation Over Nuclear Talks

Earlier on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he expects to receive a message from Iran as questions persist over the pace of nuclear negotiations. Pressed on whether Tehran was deliberately slowing the process, he said: "We'll find out soon enough."

President Trump signalled that Washington could escalate its approach if talks falter. "We'll go a different route if everything doesn't get signed up, buttoned up," he said. "We may go back to Project Freedom if things don't happen, but it'll be Project Freedom Plus. Meaning Project Freedom plus other things."

The remarks suggest the White House is keeping military and diplomatic options open simultaneously — a dual-track posture that has characterised US policy toward Iran across multiple administrations.

What Happens Next

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively contested by both sides and IRGC units reportedly on standby, the risk of miscalculation has risen sharply. The outcome of any renewed nuclear diplomacy — or its breakdown — is likely to determine whether the current naval standoff stabilises or deteriorates further in the coming days.