Iran’s main military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a warning on Thursday, stating that any US involvement in the Strait of Hormuz would be met with a swift and decisive response from the Iranian armed forces. Emphasizing the strait as Iran’s sovereign territory, the headquarters highlighted that its security is a crucial red line for the Iranian military.
The statement stressed that all oil tankers and commercial vessels passing through the strait must adhere to Iran’s designated routes. Any deviation from these routes or failure to comply with Iran’s navigation protocols would result in an immediate and decisive reaction from the Iranian armed forces, potentially endangering the safety of the violating vessels.
Iran views any US attempts to disrupt security in the Strait of Hormuz as a threat to its national security. The military headquarters vowed to respond swiftly and decisively to any interference by US forces or their allies to protect Iran’s sovereignty over the strategic waterway. Additionally, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, asserted that the strait falls under Iran’s jurisdiction, not the US Central Command.
Gharibabadi’s comments came following a security dialogue led by CENTCOM in Bahrain with military representatives from 12 nations. The meeting focused on regional security and enhancing defense cooperation, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. Gharibabadi criticized the meeting, stating that true security in the region would only be achieved when the US ceases interventions, respects national sovereignty, and acknowledges new geopolitical realities.
