Iran's military advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that the country will not allow any unauthorized shipping routes in the Hormuz Strait, stating that U.S. naval vessels could be attacked if they attempt to pass through routes not approved by Iran.
According to the Indian news agency ANI, Rezaei made these comments on August 3, responding to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that discussions are underway for the complete reopening of the Hormuz Strait.
Rezaei emphasized, "No routes other than those designated by Iran will be permitted in the Hormuz Strait," adding that if U.S. warships try to navigate through unapproved paths, they could face military action.
He accused the U.S. of violating agreements made under the so-called 'Islamabad Memorandum' regarding the navigation protocols established by Iran.
Rezaei also claimed that the U.S. attacked Iran without following the agreed-upon consultation procedures, asserting that Iran has demonstrated its missile capabilities and ability to defend itself.
This statement reaffirms Iran's longstanding position of rejecting any alternative shipping routes imposed by the U.S. in the Hormuz Strait.
Earlier, President Trump told reporters at the White House that in the first phase of negotiations with Iran, the goal is to fully reopen the Hormuz Strait, with discussions on Iran's denuclearization to follow in the second phase.
He suggested that the timeline for reopening the strait could be known soon, stating, "We will know today or tomorrow," and claimed that the Hormuz Strait could be fully reopened as early as August 4.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei countered that Iran is not currently negotiating with the U.S., clarifying that ongoing discussions pertain to navigation negotiations with Oman.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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