The Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces on Monday issued a stark warning in response to the US naval blockade, declaring that the security of ports across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is under direct threat.
Tehran stressed that any aggression toward Iranian ports could trigger regional instability, declaring these strategic waters are “either for everyone or for no one.”
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation,” IRIB cited Iran’s forces as stating.
“Enemy-affiliated vessels” will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while other vessels will be allowed passage, subject to regulations by Tehran, said the statement.
“The criminal US’s imposition of restrictions on the movement of vessels in international waters is an illegal act and amounts to piracy”.
It stated that if the security of the ports is threatened, no port in the region “will be safe.”
State broadcaster IRIB highlighted what it portrayed as inconsistent U.S. positions on the Strait of Hormuz: “America on odd days: We don’t use the Strait of Hormuz. We don’t care. Let others keep it open! America on even days: If Iran doesn’t keep the Strait of Hormuz open, we’ll respond harshly!”
The statement from Iran’s Armed Forces Central Headquarters concluded: “Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for NO ONE. If Iran’s ports are threatened, NO PORT in the region—including those in Oman and other Gulf countries—will be safe.”
Speculation is rising about the possibility of a broader naval standoff, with observers questioning whether other key maritime chokepoints, such as the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, could face similar tensions.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces announced that it would start implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 am Eastern Time (8:30 pm Indian Standard Time) ”in accordance with the President’s (Trump’s) proclamation,” the CENTCOM announced on Monday.
The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Baqer Qalibaf, while dismissing the blockade threat, asked American people to ”enjoy” today’s gas prices, adding that they will soon be ”nostalgic” about 4 USD–5 USD per gallon fuel.
Iran’s Navy commander Rear Admiral Shahram Irani also ridiculed Trump’s threats of a naval blockade as ”very ridiculous and laughable.”
