Trump will fail in any military attempt to blockade Hormuz, Iran warns
Iran's Defence Ministry spokesperson added that any such move would only worsen an already fragile situation, stating that "any military intervention by foreign powers in the Strait of Hormuz would escalate the crisis and instability in global energy security."
A fresh confrontation is unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries a major share of the world’s oil, as the US military moves to block Iranian ports on the order of President Donald Trump, prompting a blunt warning from Tehran. Iran's Defence Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said: "Trump will fail in any attempt to interfere militarily in the Strait of Hormuz and the Sea of Oman."
The spokesperson added that any such move would only worsen an already fragile situation, stating that "any military intervention by foreign powers in the Strait of Hormuz would escalate the crisis and instability in global energy security."
He also lashed out at Washington’s approach. Writing on X, Baghaei said: "Can an illegal 'war of choice' be won through a 'revenge of choice' against the global economy?!"
He added: "Is it ever worthwhile to cut off one’s nose to spite one’s face?!"
His comments came after Trump warned that Iranian ships would be "eliminated" if they "come anywhere close to our blockade." Speaking to reporters in the White House, Trump defended the naval blockade, saying it is meant to stop Iran from blackmailing or trying to extort the world.
The US President has confirmed that its blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports has begun. The move marks a significant escalation, effectively putting American naval forces in direct operational proximity to Iranian assets.
Trump said the US Navy would "interdict" every ship that has paid a toll to Tehran, declaring, "No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas." According to his announcement, the blockade took effect at 10 am ET (7:30 pm India time). In a further warning, Trump said US forces would sink any Iranian vessels that approached the blockade zone.
IRAN ON MAXIMUM ALERT
In response, Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert. Iran’s acting defence minister said the country is ready for "any scenario" and warned that any aggression would trigger a "harsh and decisive response," according to remarks broadcast on state television.
Brigadier General Majid Ibn Reza said Iran’s forces are on “maximum combat alert,” underlining the seriousness of the situation.
Separately, Iran’s Defence Ministry claimed it has built up sufficient military stockpiles ahead of the conflict. Spokesperson Sardar Talaei-Nik said the country’s "strategic reserves," including missiles and drones, were "sufficiently and adequately supplied before the war."
IRAN'S DIRECT THREAT TO US NAVY
Iranian lawmakers have also stepped up rhetoric, with senior politician Alaeddin Boroujerdi issuing warning to US naval forces. He said any US Navy ships attempting to block Iran’s ports would be "sent to the bottom of the sea", dismissing Trump’s threats as "militarily baseless propaganda."
Boroujerdi further claimed that the United States lacks the capability to sustain such an operation and said that other Nato allies would not back the move.
As tensions rise, concerns are growing over the possible impact on the global economy. Any prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could severely affect global energy supplies, with countries like India -- heavily dependent on oil imports from the Middle East -- likely to feel the strain.