Iranian military officials warned that any threat to the country’s ports would trigger a broader regional response, stating that no port in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman would remain safe if Iranian ports are targeted. This was stated by the spokesperson of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari, Press TV reports.

“Vessels linked to the enemy do not and will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Other vessels will be allowed to transit the strait in accordance with the regulations of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the senior Iranian military official said.

He added that, in light of ongoing threats, Iran will establish a permanent mechanism to control the Strait of Hormuz even after the current crisis is resolved.

Zolfaghari described the restrictions imposed by the United States on maritime transit in international waters as illegal and tantamount to acts of piracy.

“If the security of the ports of the Islamic Republic of Iran is threatened, no port in the Persian Gulf or the Gulf of Oman will remain safe,” he added.