IRGC denies direct hotline with US as Trump warns of ceasefire violations in Strait of Hormuz

General Mohabi, spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dismissed on social media claims by US officials that a direct hotline had been established between Iran and the US regarding the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "sheer lie." He emphasized that such a line has not been set up and will not be, adding that "the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has nothing to do with the US."

Concurrently, Iranian state television reported that at least three foreign oil tankers attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz "without authorization" turned back after warnings from the IRGC.

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement addressing Persian Gulf neighbors, Israel, and the US, stressing Iran's right to legitimate self-defense. In a post on X, Baqaei wrote that "the southern neighbors must be held accountable for their role in the United States' attacks on Iran" and that "Iran's military capabilities guarantee the inherent right of the Iranian people to legitimate self-defense in the face of aggression and crimes, while also ensuring peace and stability in the region."

These positions came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran had violated a ceasefire agreement by launching four suicide drones at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump wrote on Truth Social that one of the drones struck the upper deck of a large cargo ship, damaging it but allowing it to continue, while the other three were shot down. He described the action as a "foolish violation of the ceasefire agreement."

Meanwhile, the head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced that since Tuesday, June 23, 115 ships and 2,500 seafarers have been evacuated from the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions.