Iran Warns US: 'Dream' of Entering Persian Gulf is Over
Iran warns the US Navy it will never re-enter the Persian Gulf as the IRGC claims two supertankers hit naval mines near the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions between Tehran and Washington have reached a boiling point as Iran issued a stern warning against the presence of US military vessels in the Persian Gulf. This escalation comes alongside claims from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that two supertankers, carrying a massive combined cargo of over 4.5 million barrels of crude oil, were disabled after striking naval mines near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
'They Will Take This Wish to Their Graves'
Major General Ali Abdollahi, Chief of the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces, delivered a blistering message to the United States, asserting that the US Navy has been rendered ineffective in the region. He dismissed claims that Iran's military capabilities have been diminished, challenging the US leadership directly.
“The US president must only dream of their military and army entering the Persian Gulf again. They will take this wish to their graves,” Abdollahi stated, adding that Iranian forces will not allow US military vessels to enter the Gulf under any circumstances.
The Supertanker Incident
The warnings coincide with a report from the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing the IRGC Navy’s Public Relations Office. According to the report, two supertankers struck naval mines while attempting to use what Tehran called an "unauthorised southern route" through the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC claims the impact led to explosions and fires within the engine rooms of both vessels, leaving them completely disabled. The situation reportedly became so untenable that the crews were forced to abandon the ships. While the IRGC emphasizes the scale of the incident—noting the 4.5 million barrels of oil on board—these claims have not yet been independently verified, and operators of the vessels have not issued a confirmation.
Nuclear Disputes and 'Delusions'
General Abdollahi also took the opportunity to mock assertions made by US President Donald Trump regarding Iran's nuclear infrastructure. He questioned why Washington continues to voice concerns over Tehran's nuclear programme if, as Trump has claimed, the facilities had already been destroyed.
“If you have destroyed everything, then what is the meaning of repeating this delusion?” Abdollahi asked, alleging that such statements are merely tools to mislead public opinion.
The US Response: Energy Flow and Potential Strikes
Despite the threats from Tehran, the US administration maintains that Iran's attempts to disrupt global energy markets are failing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted on X that oil exports from the Persian Gulf have actually surpassed pre-conflict levels, suggesting that Iran's threats have not stopped the flow of energy.
However, the rhetoric from other US officials has been more aggressive. US Ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack, suggested in an interview with Mario Nawfal that a US strike on Iran could be a possibility over the weekend. Barrack noted that while diplomatic efforts involving countries like Qatar and Pakistan are ongoing, several critical issues remain on the table, including:
- Uranium enrichment and sanctions relief.
- The unfreezing of Iranian assets.
- Security commitments toward Israel.
- Control and transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Distances Himself
Interestingly, President Trump appeared to distance himself from the Ambassador's talk of an imminent strike. Upon arriving in Florida, when questioned about Barrack's comments, Trump responded with apparent surprise, stating, “That was my ambassador? He's a pretty powerful man, I guess. If that's the case, I don't know anything about it.”