Iran military: No safe passage through Hormuz without Tehran's nod

Iran's joint military command has declared that no commercial vessel or oil tanker can safely navigate the Strait of Hormuz without explicit authorization and supervision from Tehran's armed forces.

Speaking on Thursday, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said the strategic waterway remains under the complete management and control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He asserted that no ship has been or will be able to transit the strait without the approval of Iran's military.

Zolfaghari directly rejected recent statements from the United States suggesting that vessels are passing through the strait normally. He characterized such claims as falsehoods and lies, adding that they reflect the desperation and helplessness of the US military.

The spokesperson also said Iran's armed forces are closely monitoring all movements of American and what he termed "Zionist enemies" in the region. He warned that any threat, of any kind or level, would be met with a response that is more crushing and severe than before.

The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz being a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.