Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a firm message to the US and Israel, saying the country’s navy is ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on its enemies.
This comes after at least two ships reported that Iranian boats fired shots at them. The incidents were reported in the waters between the Qeshm and Larak islands.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it had received a report of an incident 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman.
The captain of a tanker said it had been approached by two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats, which fired on the vessel. The tanker and its crew were safe.
A container ship was also hit by gunfire, a maritime security source said.
Mojtaba Khamenei Says Iran Ready to Inflict ‘New Bitter Defeats’
In a message on his Telegram channel during Iran’s Army Day, Khamenei said, “Iran’s valiant navy is ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies.”
Also Read: Blow to Trump as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again
Closure of Strait of Hormuz
This warning comes after Iran’s military command on Saturday said control of the Strait of Hormuz has “returned to its previous state” due to the continuing blockade of Iranian ports by the US.
Merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz also received a radio message from the Iranian navy indicating that the shipping lane had been closed again.
Several commercial vessels tried to transit the strait after receiving a notice to mariners a day earlier stating that passage would be allowed but restricted to lanes that Iran deemed safe.
“Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the US government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” the radio message said.
Also Read: U.S. Navy Responds After Reports of Sparse Meals for Sailors, Marines on Iran Mission Ships Go Viral
US President Donald Trump had, hours earlier, hinted at “some pretty good news” about Iran but failed to elaborate. But he also said fighting might resume without a peace deal by Wednesday, when a two-week ceasefire expires.
Iran had announced its temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate US-brokered 10-day ceasefire agreement on Thursday between Israel and Lebanon.
US Central Command said in a statement that American forces were enforcing a maritime blockade of Iran, but did not comment on the latest Iranian actions.
Meanwhile, US and Iranian delegations are set to hold negotiations on Monday over a deal that could end the war, Iranian sources told CNN. The US hasn’t confirmed talks are scheduled. President Donald Trump says he may not extend the ceasefire with Iran if negotiations fail.
