Iran has issued a renewed warning to the United States over any attempt to assert an enforcement role in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important maritime passage through which a significant proportion of global energy shipments pass.
Mohsen Rezaei, who serves as a military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Ali Khamenei, made the remarks during a broadcast on Iranian state television, in which he warned that U.S. naval vessels could become targets if Washington attempts to act as a “police force” in the waterway.
Rezaei’s comments were directed at the idea of American operational oversight or enforcement activity in the Strait of Hormuz. He questioned the legitimacy of such a role for the United States and rejected the notion that it should intervene in the security arrangements of the region. He stated that if the United States attempted to assume such responsibilities, its vessels operating in the area could be subject to military attack, including missile strikes.
The remarks come against a backdrop of heightened tensions reported in the region. According to the information provided, a military incident occurred on 28 February involving the United States and Israel, after which maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly suspended by Tehran. The report also states that the United States subsequently imposed a naval blockade affecting shipping activity in the Strait and Iranian port facilities.
In his televised statement, Rezaei directly criticised the idea of U.S. involvement in maritime security operations in the area, questioning whether such actions were appropriate for a state with major global military capabilities. He further warned that any vessels participating in enforcement or monitoring activities related to the reported blockade could be exposed to immediate retaliation.
Rezaei indicated that such ships could be destroyed in an initial missile strike, underscoring the severity of the warning conveyed in his remarks. His statements reflect the continued escalation of rhetoric surrounding maritime control and military presence in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive shipping corridors.
Rezaei is a senior Iranian political and military figure with extensive experience in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He previously served as Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC from 1981 to 1997 before stepping down from active command roles. After a period of retirement from military leadership, he returned to a formal advisory position within Iran’s leadership structure.
Reported developments and statements
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Senior official | Mohsen Rezaei |
| Role | Military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Ali Khamenei |
| Key warning | U.S. vessels in Strait of Hormuz could be targeted if acting as a “police force” |
| Claimed escalation context | 28 February military incident involving the United States and Israel |
| Maritime situation (reported) | Suspension of shipping in Strait of Hormuz and U.S. naval blockade on shipping and Iranian ports |
| Threat level stated | Potential missile strikes on vessels involved in enforcement or monitoring |
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to global maritime logistics, and the reported statements highlight ongoing tensions surrounding control, security, and military activity in the region.