Iran has declared that it is ready to respond to “US threats” regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil transit routes.
The statements from Tehran come after US President Donald Trump announced that the US military will begin escorting blocked ships in the area starting Monday morning, according to Middle East time.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded by saying the country is prepared to “respond to US threats” in this strategic waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency, said Iran remains the “guardian and protector” of the Strait of Hormuz. He added that “ships and shipping companies are well aware that ensuring their security requires coordination with the relevant authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Baghaei also stressed that there is no justification for law-abiding states to follow what he called “illegal actions” by the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran’s military command previously warned that any foreign armed force attempting to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz—especially US forces—would be considered a legitimate target.
