Chicago – March 6, 2026
A spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) dared U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy Navy vessels for escorting oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating Middle East conflict.
IRGC spokesperson Alimohammad Naini welcomed the move, stating, “Iran strongly welcomes the escort of oil tankers and that U.S. forces will be there… We are awaiting their presence.” He cautioned Americans to recall the 1987 Bridgeton supertanker fire and recent tanker attacks, as at least nine vessels have been hit since U.S.-Israeli strikes began last Saturday.
Trump announced Tuesday the U.S. Navy could escort tankers if needed, after the IRGC halted shipping through the vital chokepoint carrying 20% of global oil. The Guards’ order has stranded tankers and spiked energy prices.
Naini urged remembrance of past incidents before decisions, signaling readiness to confront U.S. forces.
