Iran Warns US Over Strait of Hormuz Blockade, Vows Military Response to Escalation

TEHRAN: Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf has warned the United States against tightening its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran maintains full control over the strategic waterway and will respond militarily to any further escalation.

In a video message released by Iranian news agencies, Qalibaf said Iranian forces were resisting US attempts to facilitate the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

He acknowledged that some ships had managed to pass through the waterway but insisted that Iranian forces continued to exercise full control over the strategic passage and would not permit it to be reopened under US terms.

Qalibaf said Washington was providing vessels with assurances that they could cross the Strait through its southern route.

However, he dismissed those assurances as unreliable, warning that vessels attempting to use the route were being targeted by Iranian forces.

The Iranian parliament speaker further alleged that the United States was attempting to use the southern route in violation of a memorandum of understanding, but said Tehran would not allow such a move.

Qalibaf described the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a “military action” and warned that Iran would respond militarily if Washington further tightened the blockade.

He issued a broader warning over any attempt to halt Iran’s oil exports through the strategic waterway.

“If the US objective is to stop Iran’s oil exports from the Gulf, then no country will be able to export oil,” Qalibaf said.

The warning underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a major portion of global energy shipments passes.

Iran has repeatedly warned that any attempt to completely restrict its access to the Gulf or prevent its oil exports could have consequences for regional shipping and energy markets.

Qalibaf’s latest remarks come amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as a key flashpoint in the escalating confrontation.