IRGC Issues Conditional Offer: Countries Expelling Israeli and American Ambassadors to Gain 'Freedom' Through Strait of Hormuz

IRGC Issues Conditional Offer: Countries Expelling Israeli and American Ambassadors to Gain 'Freedom' Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a provocative statement offering unrestricted passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to any Arab or European nation that expels Israeli and American ambassadors from its territory, effective starting tomorrow.

In a message circulated via IRGC-affiliated channels and echoed on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), the Guard declared: "Any Arab or European country that expels the Israeli and American ambassadors from its territory will have complete freedom and authority to pass through the Strait of Hormuz starting tomorrow."

The announcement comes amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran—now in its second week under Operation Epic Fury—which has severely disrupted shipping through the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The strait handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade, and traffic has plummeted dramatically since late February due to Iranian threats, attacks on vessels, and retaliatory strikes.

This conditional incentive appears designed to exploit divisions among Gulf Arab states and European nations, many of which maintain diplomatic relations with both the U.S. and Israel while relying heavily on secure passage for energy exports. No immediate responses were reported from major capitals such as Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Doha, or European foreign ministries as of late March 9.

The IRGC's latest rhetoric follows a pattern of escalating threats and selective restrictions on the strait:

- Early March statements from IRGC officials claimed "complete control" of the waterway, warning that ships linked to the U.S., Israel, Europe, or their allies risked missile or drone strikes.

- Iran has repeatedly asserted the right to regulate or restrict transit during wartime under international law, while denying a full closure—though U.S. Central Command and shipping firms report near-halted commercial traffic.

- U.S. officials, including Energy Secretary Chris Wright, have indicated readiness to escort tankers with naval assets once conditions allow, with President Trump emphasizing guarantees for energy flows.

The offer has drawn skepticism from analysts, who note that few—if any—Arab states (particularly GCC members hosting U.S. bases) or European countries are likely to sever ties with Washington or Jerusalem amid the conflict. Diplomatic expulsions would represent a major realignment, potentially isolating those nations economically and security-wise.

Oil markets remain volatile, with Brent crude hovering near elevated levels due to fears of prolonged disruption. The IRGC's statement further signals Tehran's intent to weaponize the chokepoint in its asymmetric response to U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, which have targeted Iranian military, nuclear-related, and leadership assets.

No official confirmation or denial has emerged from Iran's Foreign Ministry or Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei (recently installed successor to the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei). The IRGC, which controls much of Iran's naval and asymmetric capabilities in the Gulf, often speaks independently on such matters.

This is a developing story as regional diplomats, energy traders, and military observers monitor for any follow-through or retaliatory actions. The U.S. Navy's potential escort operations and ongoing strikes could further test the IRGC's claims of authority over the strait.