Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Jul 3: Iran on Thursday issued a strong warning to the United States, declaring that any attempt to interfere in the security of the Strait of Hormuz would invite a "decisive and swift" military response from its armed forces.
In a statement carried by Iranian media, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's principal military command, asserted that the strategically vital waterway falls under Iran's sovereign authority and rejected any suggestion of external control.
The military headquarters said the Strait of Hormuz is "not the aggressive US playground" but part of Iran's "undisputed sovereignty," adding that safeguarding the security and stability of the waterway remains a non-negotiable red line for the country's armed forces.
Iran also stated that all oil tankers and commercial vessels transiting the strait must adhere to navigation routes designated by Iranian authorities. It warned that vessels failing to comply with Iran's maritime protocols or attempting to use unauthorised routes would face an "immediate and decisive" response, potentially jeopardising their safety.
The statement further said Tehran views any US attempt to influence security arrangements or disrupt activities in the Strait of Hormuz as a direct threat to its national security, and pledged to respond "swiftly and decisively" to such actions.
The headquarters also criticised the continued presence of US manned and unmanned military aircraft over the strategic waterway, claiming that such deployments contribute to regional instability. It added that Iran would not hesitate to take what it described as necessary measures to "crush any aggression" by US forces or their allies in defence of its sovereignty.
Separately, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, reinforced Tehran's position in a post on X, stating that the Strait of Hormuz "is defined under Iran's command, not the US Central Command (CENTCOM)."
His comments came a day after the US Central Command hosted a regional security dialogue in Bahrain involving military representatives from 12 countries. The discussions focused on regional security cooperation, strengthening defence partnerships and reaffirming support for the uninterrupted flow of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to the meeting, Gharibabadi argued that such gatherings cannot establish a legitimate security framework for the Gulf region. He maintained that lasting security in West Asia would only be achieved when the United States ends its regional interventions, withdraws its military presence, respects the sovereignty of regional nations and acknowledges the changing geopolitical landscape.