![Iranian military personnel take part in an exercise titled "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz", launched by the Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is being carried out in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on February 16, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AA-20260216-40574970-40574964-IRAN_LAUNCHES_MILITARY_EXERCISE_IN_THE_STRAIT_OF_HORMUZ_AGAINST_SECURITY_THREATS-1-1.jpg)
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington controls the Strait of Hormuz, warning that US vessels approaching the strategic waterway would face a response from Iranian forces, Anadolu reports. “If that is the case, go ahead, bring one of your warships within 100 kilometers,” Col. Ali Mohammadi, the IRGC Navy’s deputy for political affairs, was quoted by the semi-official Fars News Agency as saying Saturday evening, referring to Trump’s claim. Mohammadi said US forces know their vessels would face a response if they approached, claiming a similar incident had occurred in recent days. He also claimed that major foreign militaries have remained beyond the Gulf of Oman for months and that no US troops […]
