Iran warns US against intervention in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi warned that Iran would respond if the United States intervened in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the military had developed new technologies and capabilities. His remarks, reported Saturday night, came as control of the strategic waterway remained a central dispute in stalled U.S.-Iran diplomacy and shipping continued to be disrupted. Shekarchi said Iran had strengthened its military capabilities and warned that it would use newly developed technologies in response to any future aggression. He also asserted that the strait was under Iranian management and said vessels that did not use routes approved by Tehran would lack security. Those statements reflect Iran’s position; the sources do not independently establish its control over the waterway or the capabilities he described. Iran has proposed reopening the strait within a week if its conditions are met, including lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, according to reports of the proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained firm on its conditions and was awaiting an official U.S. response through mediators.