IRGC Navy Commander Says US Ships Approaching Strait of Hormuz Will Be Sunk

In his first televised interview, the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, General Ali Ozmaei, emphasized what he described as the smart control of the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that American claims that the Strait of Hormuz is open and under their control are far from the realities on the ground. "If they want to know whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, they must come to the field and see who controls this strait," he said.

Referring to the situation of the US fleet in the region, General Ozmaei said that the US army and its seven fleets have become fuel smugglers. He added that their $13 billion aircraft carrier has become useless and acts like an airport runway located 700 to 800 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, because it is vulnerable and does not dare to come close and be within the range of Iranian fighters.

Ozmaei clarified that the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf are under the control of the IRGC Navy, while the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army controls the Sea of Oman. He noted that the blockade continues outside the Sea of Oman and in the Arabian Sea, and that the Navy also controls that area. He explained how the Strait of Hormuz is controlled: "Our control is smart control; that is, vessels that must pass through this route must obtain permission from us. Vessels whose origin or destination is Iran are issued permits to travel through Iranian waterways, depending on the conditions."

The IRGC Navy Commander continued by saying that the Americans are encouraging law-breaking vessels to secretly leave the region with their lights off. Referring to the high costs of transporting oil to West Asia, Ozmaei said, "Today, everyone must realize that the cost of transporting oil to West Asia is about $150 per barrel, and this is a staggering cost."

According to Mehr News, the interview marked General Ozmaei's first televised appearance as commander of the IRGC Navy, during which he outlined Iran's position on control over the Strait of Hormuz and the broader region.