Iran Warns Of Escalation Over US Blockade, Vows Full Control On Hormuz
Iran signals a potential escalation over the US naval blockade, asserting its intent to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz. Image courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Iran, on Thursday (April 16, 2026), warned that the US blockade of maritime traffic to and from its ports could trigger a response from its armed forces, resulting in a major escalation in the six-week war in West Asia.
Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Deputy Political Chief Brigadier General Yadollah Javani said the continuing US naval action in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman could invite a military response from Iran.
Javani said the US blockade was a violation of the ceasefire framework agreed by the two nations two weeks ago, and continued US naval action would prompt an Iranian military retaliation.
“Continuation of US actions in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman would constitute a violation of the ceasefire and provoke a response from the armed forces,” Javani said. “Trump has resorted to a naval blockade of Iran, but he does not realise that Iran is an unsanctionable country,” he added.
Meanwhile, Military Adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mohsen Rezaei, also threatened the US that it would not withdraw the Strait of Hormuz blockade until its “rights are fully secured” as the American naval blockade continued.
Rezaei, who was also a former commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated that Iran considers the strategic waterway a critical point of leverage and will continue to assert control over it, in response to what Tehran calls unlawful restrictions on its economic and maritime activity.
“Iran will not leave the Strait of Hormuz until its rights are fully secured. Based on past negotiations, agreements must be drafted more carefully, with a stronger focus on economic issues,” he said.
“Unlike the US, which fears prolonged war, Iran is fully prepared and experienced in long-term war. Why do US vessels and forces avoid crossing the Strait of Hormuz if Iran’s navy has supposedly been destroyed? Unlike previous talks where the other side set the terms, Iran is now setting the preconditions,” he added.
