Iran asserts military capability to close Strait of Hormuz but rules out immediate action

The commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, has stated that while Iran possesses the military capability to close the Strait of Hormuz, it does not intend to do so for now.

Speaking to reporters in Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas on February 9, the admiral dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to drive Iran’s oil exports to zero, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

Tangsiri emphasised that any decision regarding the strait’s closure would be made by Iran’s top leadership, while the naval forces would act in accordance with their directives. He underscored Iran’s strategic superiority, noting that its missile, drone, and naval capabilities extend beyond such measures.

“We are militarily capable of closing the Hormuz Strait, but won’t do that for now, as long as we are using the strait ourselves,” Tangsiri stated, affirming that Iran continues to operate within the framework set by the country’s leadership.

The admiral also pointed to Iran’s history of retaliatory actions against the U.S., citing the seizure of an oil tanker as a direct response to the detention of an Iranian vessel. He reiterated Iran’s policy of opposing coercion while protecting its national interests.

Iran's main objective is to ensure regional security and stability, as well as the safe export of oil and gas, he said. Iran's oil and gas resources are located here, so it would be unwise to hinder its own exports, the commander added.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions. The IRGC’s latest remarks come amid continued U.S. efforts to curb Iran’s oil trade, further escalating tensions between the two nations.

By Vugar Khalilov