Iran Says Fully Prepared for War, Warns Over Hormuz

Iran has said it is fully prepared for war while asserting complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concerns over a possible US military strike against Tehran.

“Iran is not seeking war, but it is fully prepared,” Mohammad Akbarzadeh, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said. He warned that if conflict erupts, there would be “no retreat, not even by a millimetre”.

Akbarzadeh claimed Iran maintains full dominance over the land, airspace and underwater areas of the strategically vital strait. He said management of the waterway has moved beyond traditional methods and is now “fully intelligent”, allowing constant monitoring of all maritime and underwater movements.

According to him, Iran also controls decisions on whether vessels flying different flags are permitted to pass through the strait. While stressing that Tehran does not want disruption to the global economy, he warned that the United States and its allies would not be allowed to benefit from a war they initiate.

The IRGC commander further cautioned that if the territory, airspace or waters of neighbouring countries are used against Iran, they would be considered hostile acts. He said this message has already been conveyed to regional parties, adding that Iran possesses additional capabilities that would be revealed “at the appropriate time”.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. It carries around one-third of global seaborne crude oil shipments and about one-fifth of total oil consumption worldwide.

Nearly 20 million barrels of oil and petroleum products pass through the strait daily, most of which are destined for Asian markets, particularly China. A significant portion of Iranian oil exports also moves through this route. Around 85 percent of Iraqi oil exports use the strait, while Saudi Arabia accounts for roughly 35 percent of total oil shipments, followed by the United Arab Emirates and Iraq.

About 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade also transits the Strait of Hormuz.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated in recent months, with US officials saying all options remain on the table. Iranian leaders have repeatedly warned that any attack on the country would trigger a swift and comprehensive response.