Iran Issues Threat to U.S. Forces Nearing Strait of Hormuz

(MENAFN) Iran escalated tensions with Washington on Monday, issuing a stark military warning against any American armed presence in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's primary military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, made the threat explicit in an official statement: "We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the aggressive U.S. army, will be attacked if they intend to approach and enter the Strait of Hormuz."

The warning arrived in direct response to a U.S. announcement that American forces would begin Monday to free vessels currently stranded in the critical waterway — one of the world's most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, through which a substantial share of global oil supply flows daily.

Tehran reinforced its position with an unambiguous assertion of control over the passage, with the Iranian army stating: "We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces."

The confrontational declaration marks a sharp spike in rhetoric between Tehran and Washington over dominance of the waterway, raising fresh concerns among global energy markets and international shipping operators closely monitoring the standoff.

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