Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has issued a sharp warning that Iran intends to destroy American vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
This declaration follows a US-led blockade on ships departing Iranian ports, which was enacted earlier this week in reaction to Tehran restricting access to the vital waterway.
Rezaei, formerly the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, asserted that the United States lacks authority in the region. He stated that Tehran would attack any American ship attempting to patrol the strait. Furthermore, he threatened to seize any US soldiers who touch Iranian soil, stipulating a ransom of one billion dollars for every individual detained.
During a state television broadcast, Rezaei dismissed the effectiveness of ongoing negotiations and the current ceasefire, arguing for increased pressure instead.
He confirmed that Iranian military assets are currently positioned to target US ships. The official maintained that a lasting peace is only possible once all Iranian conditions are met.
Data from US Central Command indicates that officials blocked 10 vessels from leaving Iranian ports during the initial two days of the operation. Despite these measures, ship tracking reports observed three vessels moving through the strait, with some eventually turning back.
