A top military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has issued a strong warning amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran will not withdraw from the strategic waterway until its rights are fully secured. Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently appointed as a military adviser, made the remarks in response to the United States' naval blockade on Iranian ports. The comments were broadcast on Iranian state media on Wednesday.

Rezaei declared, “Iran will not leave the Strait of Hormuz until its rights are fully secured.” He emphasised that future agreements must be drafted more carefully, with greater focus on economic issues, criticising past negotiations where terms were dictated by the other side. He asserted that Iran is now setting the preconditions and highlighted the country's preparedness for prolonged conflict, contrasting it with what he described as the US fear of extended war. Rezaei also questioned why US vessels avoid crossing the strait if Iran's naval capabilities had been significantly degraded.

The US has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as part of ongoing pressure following a period of conflict and a fragile ceasefire. The waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supply passes, remains a critical chokepoint for international energy trade. Rezaei warned that American ships attempting to “police” the strait could be targeted, stating they “will be sunk by our first missiles” and posing risks to US forces. He further suggested that any ground invasion could result in large numbers of US soldiers being taken hostage.

Also Read: US Military Says Iran Maritime Blockade Is Fully Enforced As Talks Continue

The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened regional instability involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iranian officials have rejected the blockade as unlawful and vowed retaliation, while the US maintains it is necessary to restrict Iranian military and commercial activities. Mediators are reportedly pushing for an extension of the ceasefire, but both sides continue to exchange threats that could disrupt global shipping and energy markets.

Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint, with Iran viewing control over the passage as vital leverage for its security and economic interests. Rezaei's statements underscore Tehran's hardline stance, signalling readiness to use asymmetric capabilities, including missiles, to counter perceived aggression. The US, for its part, has described the blockade as fully implemented with no ships evading it in the initial days.

This latest exchange of rhetoric heightens concerns over potential renewed conflict in the Persian Gulf, where any disruption to shipping could lead to sharp spikes in global oil prices and broader economic repercussions. As diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with both nations asserting their positions in a strategically vital maritime corridor.

Also Read: Trump Vs Pope Leo XIV: Washington–Vatican Rift Deepens Over Iran And Migration