rki.news | Xinhua
TEHRAN April 13 – Iran’s main military command Khatam al Anbiya Central Headquarters warned that if the security of Iranian ports in southern waters is threatened then no port in the Gulf or the Sea of Oman will be safe according to IRNA.
Spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari issued the warning Monday one day after US President Donald Trump said in a Truth Social post that the US Navy would begin blocking ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz following failed talks between Iranian and US delegations in Pakistan.
Zolfaghari said Iranian armed forces stated explicitly that security of ports in the Gulf and the Sea of Oman is guaranteed for everyone or for no one. He said defending Iran’s lawful rights is a legal duty and sovereignty over territorial waters is a fundamental right.
He added Iranian forces will continue to ensure security in territorial waters and vessels considered enemy affiliated will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Other vessels will continue to be allowed passage in accordance with Iranian military regulations.
Officials also referred to earlier regional tensions including US and Israeli attacks in February and Iranian missile and drone responses which led to tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz.
A two week ceasefire between Iran and the United States was followed by talks in Islamabad which failed to produce an agreement.