Iran’s military has declared a major port security threat. It warns that any attack will trigger a wider response. No port in the Persian Gulf would remain safe. The Sea of Oman would also face danger. Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, Spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, issued this statement on Monday. He serves in the country’s armed forces.
This port security threat changes maritime stability. It directly links the safety of all regional ports. For instance, an attack on one port threatens every other port. Iran insists that security applies to all parties equally. Otherwise, it applies to none. Therefore, Tehran views port defense as a natural national obligation.
The Iranian Armed Forces will protect national sovereignty decisively. They will exercise full control in territorial waters. Furthermore, Zolfaqari clarified that enemy vessels cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Other vessels may only transit under Iranian military regulations. As a result, Iran will enforce a permanent control mechanism for the strait. This measure will continue even after the current crisis ends.
Background tensions have escalated quickly. Specifically, the U.S.-Israeli conflict began on February 28. Since then, Iran has restricted strait passage. Consequently, Tehran allows only friendly nations to use the waterway. It also blocks ships from aggressor countries. Their supporters face the same restrictions. Moreover, the Iranian parliament has advanced draft legislation. This bill imposes transit fees in national currency. It explicitly bans U.S. and Israeli vessels.
President Donald Trump announced a U.S. naval blockade on Sunday. The blockade started Monday at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. In response, Iran’s Navy commander dismissed this threat as ridiculous. He called it laughable as well. He confirmed that Iranian forces monitor every US fleet movement. They do so closely and continuously.
The broader implications for global shipping are serious. For example, about 20% of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption would spike energy prices worldwide. Insurance premiums for tankers would rise sharply. Port operators in Dubai face direct risks. Those in Qatar and Oman also face dangers. Consequently, shipping companies may reroute vessels. This would add costs to global supply chains. Delays would follow as well.
Zolfaqari described U.S. restrictions as illegal. He equated them to acts of piracy. Therefore, Iran will not comply with outside maritime rules. Instead, it will enforce its own regulations permanently. For now, Iran insists that port security remains a collective responsibility. Any attack on Iranian ports will make all ports unsafe. This port security threat now defines the Gulf’s fragile balance. Next steps include potential diplomatic interventions. Meanwhile, naval forces remain on high alert. The risk of miscalculation grows daily. Finally, the international community watches closely.