Iran threatens military response to U.S. naval blockade

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament and chief negotiator, has warned the United States of a military response if the current naval blockade against Iran is intensified. In a video statement, Ghalibaf characterized the U.S. naval actions as an act of war and asserted that if the U.S. attempts to prevent Iranian oil exports from the Persian Gulf, no one will be able to export oil from the region.

Ghalibaf further stated that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the United States fulfills its commitments under a memorandum of understanding that expired on August 17. He emphasized that Iranian forces maintain full control of the area and are targeting vessels attempting to bypass through southern routes.

The warning follows statements from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reporting that 84 vessels have been diverted during the blockade. Ghalibaf claimed that Iranian forces are rapidly reorganizing and that the enemy is unable to intercept Iranian missiles.