Tehran: Iran warned on Saturday that any military vessel attempting to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt maritime traffic would be targeted by the country's armed forces.
According to Anadolu Agency, the statement was issued by Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country's highest joint military command coordinating operations between the armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The headquarters stated that the management of the strategic waterway is being controlled 'with full authority' by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
It further emphasized that all commercial vessels, ships, and oil tankers are required to transit through designated routes and obtain authorization from the IRGC Navy. The statement warned that any violation of these regulations could place the security of vessels at serious risk. It also cautioned foreign military vessels against interfering in Iran's management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupting navigation in the waterway. The statement asserted that any attempt by military vessels to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt navigation would be targeted by Iran's armed forces.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Earlier Saturday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected Iran's assertion of control over the strait, stating that the United States remains in control of the strategic waterway.
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel, US allies in the Gulf, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended by US President Donald Trump indefinitely. However, following stalled negotiations mediated by Islamabad, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, including those located along the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Mediation efforts are ongoing to resolve the conflict between the parties.