IRGC Awards Naval Forces Amid Escalating Tensions

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy's speedboats move during an exercise in Abu Musa Island, in this picture obtained on August 2, 2023. I
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy's speedboats move during an exercise in Abu Musa Island, in this picture obtained on August 2, 2023. I

The IRGC have named their Navy as “the foremost and highest-ranking” unit in the organization, following the supposed ‘interception’ of a US warship.

Reports also reveal that Hossein Salami, the Commander in Chief of the IRGC has recognized Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, the Commander of the Naval Force, as the most successful commander in the organization.

This internal praise follows an incident at sea on August 17, of which the IRGC released a video showing Iran’s navy following a US warship in waters off the coast of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf. Touted as a demonstration of the regime’s military control, the video was broadcast to prominent IRGC commanders and officials in Tehran on Saturday.

In the footage, IRGC Navy speed boats issued a clear warning to the USS Thomas Hudner warship, accompanied by two helicopters, advising them against breaching Iran's territorial waters.

A helicopter is seen landing on the deck but it is not clear if it took the actions because of an Iranian warning. Nevertheless, Rear Admiral Tangsiri highlighted the "achievement," citing the IRGC Navy's successful enforcement of compliance to their orders.

Recent maritime incidents involving Iran's seizure and harassment of vessels have triggered heightened uncertainties in the region.

Iran's introduction of advanced maritime weaponry prompted Washington to extend armed protection to commercial ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz. A substantial portion of the world's crude oil is transported through these waters and thus, it has significant strategic importance.