Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned on Monday that a United States naval blockade would be considered an expansion of the war in the region. The command, which serves as the war management unit of the Iranian Armed Forces, issued the statement amid escalating tensions between the two nations.
The military command accused Washington of threatening Iranian vessels, commercial ships and oil tankers in Iran’s coastal and territorial waters over the past three days. It stated that the US naval blockade increases insecurity in the region.
This US action will be regarded as an expansion of the war in the region.
The command further declared that the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran would not leave any threat or hostile action by the US military unanswered. It vowed to confront such actions, citing its demonstrated capabilities on the battlefield.
US Central Command reports
On Saturday, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the US naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect. The command reported operations to enforce the blockade, including the redirection of commercial vessels attempting to breach it.
Reports on the number of redirected vessels differ. While one account states that US forces redirected 12 commercial vessels as of July 25, another reports that 17 commercial vessels were redirected. CENTCOM also stated that two vessels were disabled and two others were boarded to verify compliance.
These developments occur as tensions between the US and Iran have intensified recently. The US has carried out attacks on Iran, and Iran has targeted US military facilities in the region.