Iran’s top military commander said on Wednesday that any attempt by the United States to block the Hormuz Strait would be considered piracy and met with a firm response. The warning came hours after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose a blockade starting at 4 p.m. local time, escalating tensions in the region.
General Hossein Salami, commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that Tehran would not tolerate any disruption to shipping lanes in the strategic waterway. The Hormuz Strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and carries about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Salami emphasized that Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to counter any aggression.
The US announcement followed reports of increased Iranian naval activity in the area. Washington has accused Tehran of seizing foreign oil tankers in recent months. Iran denies these claims, calling them baseless. The Trump administration has not provided further details on how the blockade would be enforced.
Regional analysts warn that a blockade could trigger a military confrontation. The last major crisis in the Hormuz Strait occurred in 2019 when Iran seized a British-flagged tanker, leading to a standoff with the UK and US navies. The European Union has called for restraint from all parties involved.
The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, has been on high alert since the announcement. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait entirely if its oil exports are targeted. The situation remains fluid as diplomats scramble to prevent further escalation.
Source: e24.no