Iran Threatens to Attack US Navy Ships if They Enter Strait of Hormuz
Theo Interfax
Iran's military has warned it will attack US Navy ships that approach or try to transit the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions along the key oil shipping route. The threat follows weeks of escalating friction between Tehran and the U.S.-Israel alliance, with analysts viewing it as a deterrence move. No official response has come from the Pentagon, but experts warn of potential wider conflict.
Iran’s armed forces stated on May 4, 2026 that they would launch attacks against US Navy warships if those ships approach or try to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The warning comes amid rising tensions stemming from a joint Israeli-American campaign targeting Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a vital maritime route carrying about 20% of the world’s oil. Any military action there risks severe disruption to global energy markets.
A spokesperson for the General Staff of Iran’s Armed Forces said Tehran has deployed necessary defensive measures and is ready to respond to any provocation. “If US ships try to violate sovereignty or enter the area, they will face severe consequences,” the official emphasized.
The move follows weeks of heightened friction between Iran and the Israel-U.S. alliance. The United States had previously sent additional naval forces to the Middle East, while Israel conducted joint exercises with allies. Analysts view Iran’s threat as an attempt to deter any military action against the country.
There has been no official reaction so far from the Pentagon. However, experts fear that an armed confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz could push the region into a wider conflict.
