Will not allow any unauthorised route through Strait of Hormuz, target US warships if necessary: Senior Advisor of Iran's Supreme Leader Mohsen Rezaee
Tehran, August 4
Senior military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, Mohsen Rezaee, on Monday rejected US President Donald Trump's remarks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and warned that Iran would not permit any shipping route through the strategic waterway other than the one designated by Tehran.
Rezaee was responding to US President Donald Trump's remarks that discussions were underway to "completely" reopen the Strait of Hormuz and that denuclearisation of Iran would form the second phase of negotiations.
"The US had accepted Iran's arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz under the (Islamabad) MoU, but later violated the agreement. The US not only breached the MoU but also launched attacks without first referring the dispute to the designated dispute resolution panel," he said, according to Press TV.
He further claimed that Iran had responded forcefully after the alleged breach.
"In the 17 days of fighting after the MoU was breached, we dealt severe blows to the US. We made it clear to the US that we have both missiles and the capability to defend ourselves. Even if the US sends warships through an unauthorised route into the Strait of Hormuz, we will target them. We will not allow any route other than Iran's designated route to be established in the Strait of Hormuz," Rezaee was quoted as saying by Press TV.
Rezaee's remarks came after Trump said discussions were underway to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz in negotiations with Iran, saying that while the first phase of the new set of talks will focus on opening the key shipping route.
Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office after signing an Executive Order, Trump said progress on the strategically important waterway could come as early as Tuesday (local time).
"Well, we'll find out today or tomorrow. I mean, they're going to go quickly one way or the other. It's not very complex. We're talking about the Strait, the opening of the Strait, having it open, literally by tomorrow. Completely open. And that's Phase 1," Trump said.
He added that the second phase of discussions would centre on dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities.
"Phase 2 is we then will talk about the nuclear capacity... I think most accurately, the denuclearisation of Iran has to happen. Has to happen. That'll be the second phase. But the first phase is the opening of the Strait, the second phase will be the denuclearisation... They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, and I have never changed that position," Trump said.
Earlier, Trump described the current diplomatic engagement as Iran's "last chance" to reach an agreement, claiming that Washington had paused a planned military strike after requests from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Iran to pursue diplomacy.
The US President also alleged that Iran had sought negotiations while publicly denying talks were taking place. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei earlier rejected reports of direct or indirect negotiations with Washington, maintaining that Tehran was not engaged in bilateral talks with the United States.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The whole situation is scary. As someone who works in shipping, the Strait of Hormuz is critical for global oil supplies. Both sides need to calm down before something disastrous happens to the world economy.
Typical US double standards - they want everyone to follow international law but have no problem violating agreements themselves. India should strengthen ties with Iran and other independent nations to counter this western hegemony. 🇮🇳🤝🇮🇷
While I understand the concerns, this constant sabre-rattling helps no one. India imports significant oil through this route - we need diplomacy, not missiles. Modi ji should use his good offices to mediate between these parties.
Iran is being irresponsible and just trying to stay in the news. The US has legitimate concerns about Iran's nuclear program, and blocking a major international waterway is not a valid way to negotiate.
I still remember Chabahar port and how India has maintained good relations with Iran despite US pressure. This is a strategic blunder by the US - you can't just impose your will on sovereign nations. However, Sri Lankan and Indian sailors should avoid the area till things calm down.
Isn't anyone thinking about the environmental impact if this escalates?
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.