Iran warns military vessels in Hormuz will be targeted
Iran's highest military command says any military interference in the strategic waterway will draw a response, as Washington insists it—not Tehran—retains control of the chokepoint.
Military warning
Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on Saturday warned that any military vessel attempting to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz or disrupt maritime traffic would be targeted by Iranian armed forces. The country's highest joint military command issued the statement, according to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB.
The headquarters said the strategic waterway is being controlled "with full authority" by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It stated that all commercial vessels, ships and oil tankers are required to transit through designated routes and obtain authorization from the IRGC Navy, adding that any violation of the regulations could place vessel security at serious risk.
US rejection
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected Iran's assertion of control earlier Saturday, saying: "They want to say that they control the strait, but we do." He stated that developments behind the scenes and the course of negotiations show Washington remains in control of the strategic waterway, according to remarks reported by US media.
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Regional context
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran in February. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway, located between Iran and Oman, carries a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump. Following stalled negotiations mediated by Islamabad, the US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13—including those along the Strait of Hormuz. Mediation efforts are ongoing to end the conflict.
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