The Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued a warning that no equipment, machinery, or vessels intended for use against Iran will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Mehr reports.

Army spokesman Brigadier General Akraminia stressed that the strategically important strait is under the full control of Iran’s Armed Forces. He warned that the US “terrorist” forces and their partners in the region would face “serious difficulties” when attempting to navigate the strait.

“Some countries in the southern part of the Persian Gulf, which for years have benefited from using this waterway to sell billions of dollars’ worth of oil and import goods, are today cooperating with the United States in carrying out strikes against Iran,” the spokesman added. “Such actions are absolutely unjust, unacceptable, and cannot continue any longer.”

These statements came amid the ongoing escalation of tensions around the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes.