Tehran: Iran dismissed US claims that its naval capabilities have been destroyed, warning that US President Donald Trump can send ships into the Persian Gulf "if he dares." "The Strait of Hormuz is completely under the management of the IRGC Navy and Iran has complete sovereignty," said Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini, a spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to Anadolu Agency, Naini further challenged the US by stating, "Doesn't Trump say that he destroyed the Iranian Navy? So if he dares, he can send his ships into the Persian Gulf region." He also claimed that Iran has launched approximately 700 missiles and 3,600 drones targeting US and Israeli assets.

The situation has escalated since Israel and the US initiated joint attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,300 casualties, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has launched drone and missile strikes on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf nations hosting US military forces.

Naini emphasized that the conflict will conclude when "the enemy" acknowledges Iran's military and social deterrence capabilities. He affirmed, "We seek to punish the aggressor and continue our heavy and destructive attacks on the enemy." In addition to these military actions, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since early March, further intensifying regional tensions.