TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: Iran said on Monday it would no longer allow military equipment belonging to what it called “enemy countries” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a tougher stance amid escalating tensions with the United States and Israel over regional security and maritime access.
Iran’s Tougher Stance
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said that Tehran had previously shown restraint regarding its sovereignty rights over the strategic waterway but would now adopt stricter measures to safeguard national security interests.
“In the past, Iran showed flexibility regarding its sovereign rights in the Strait of Hormuz and allowed the passage of military equipment that was later used against Iran,” Aref said, according to Iranian state media. “This will no longer be allowed to happen again,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Former IRGC Commander Warns US
Mohsen Rezaei, a member of Iran’s Expediency Council and former IRGC commander, accused the United States of imposing a naval blockade on Iran. “We advise the US military to end the siege before the Sea of Oman becomes your graveyard,” Rezaei said on state television. He described the alleged blockade as an “act of war.”
Trump’s Cryptic Post and Diplomatic Signals
US President Donald Trump fueled speculation after posting a cryptic image on Truth Social showing a map of the Middle East covered with a US flag and red arrows pointing toward Iran. However, according to journalist Barak Ravid, Trump also said he believed Iran still wanted a deal and was waiting for a revised proposal from Tehran.
Israel on Heightened Alert
Israeli media reported that Israel’s military had been placed on heightened alert, with officials expecting Israel could join any future US military action against Iran. The reports followed a phone conversation between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday discussing the possibility of renewed conflict involving Iran.
The developments have intensified concerns about a widening regional conflict that could threaten global energy supplies and already fragile diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.
