'Iran awaiting US naval fleet in Strait of Hormuz': IRGC on Trump's claim conflict may end soon

The IRGC also said it had launched the 33rd wave of its retaliatory campaign, known as “Operation Promise 4,” as the conflict continues.

• Iranian forces await US naval fleet near Strait of Hormuz
• Iran threatens to block oil exports if US-Israeli strikes persist
• US warns massive retaliation if Iran disrupts oil flow

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Iranian armed forces are awaiting the arrival of US naval forces near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a spokesperson for Iran’s paramilitary force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said Tuesday, claiming that the outcome of the ongoing conflict is ultimately up to Tehran.

Maj. Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini said Iranian forces are monitoring the region and are prepared for a possible confrontation with US warships, reported CNN.

“The armed forces of the Republic of Iran are awaiting the US naval fleet in the Strait of Hormuz region and are waiting for the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford,” Naeini said, referring to the USS Gerald R. Ford.

Naeini's remarks come shortly after US President Donald Trump vowed that the key waterway would remain open and warned Tehran against attempting to disrupt shipping through it.

He also claimed that American forces had moved away from the immediate area to avoid Iranian capabilities.

“He has claimed the presence of commercial and military ships in the region and their easy passage through the Strait of Hormuz; while American ships, vessels, and all fighter jets have fled the region and are stationed at a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers to avoid Iran’s powerful missiles and drones,” Naeini said.

Naeini warned that if strikes by the U.S. and Israel continue, Iran could target regional oil flows. “If US-Israeli aggression persists, Iran will not allow the export of a single liter of oil from the region,” he said.

Trump said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz “is going to remain safe,” adding that “the price will be incalculable” if Iran attacks vessels passing through the route.

In a post on Truth Social, the US president also threatened massive retaliation if Iran attempts to block the passage of oil tankers.

“If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump wrote.

He added that the U.S. would strike “easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back,” warning that “Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them,” while also expressing hope that such escalation could be avoided.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments. The waterway is vital for energy supplies to major Asian economies, including China and India.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region. According to United States Central Command, the USS Abraham Lincoln is operating in the Arabian Sea, while the USS Gerald R. Ford is in the Red Sea after transiting the Suez Canal.

The IRGC also said it had launched the 33rd wave of its retaliatory campaign, known as “Operation Promise 4,” as the conflict continues.

Separately, Iran’s deputy foreign minister said countries including China, France and Russia have contacted Tehran about a possible ceasefire. However, he said Iran would not return to negotiations unless it receives guarantees that similar attacks would not occur again.