A senior military adviser to Iran’s supreme leader has warned that Tehran would target and sink American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz if the United States attempts to “police” the key shipping route.
Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and now an adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, made the remarks during an interview with state television, escalating already high tensions in the region.
The comments come amid reports of a US military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following weeks of disruption to shipping during a conflict that has since been paused under a fragile ceasefire.
Rezaei questioned US involvement in the strategic waterway, stating that Washington was attempting to act as “police” of the strait and warning of military consequences if it proceeded.
“These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles,” he said, adding that US forces could be exposed to Iranian strikes if tensions escalate further.
He also suggested that a potential US ground invasion would lead to mass hostage-taking, claiming Iran could demand significant ransoms for each captive. Rezaei further stated that he did not support extending the current ceasefire, describing his view as a personal position.
A veteran figure within Iran’s ideological military establishment, Rezaei led the Revolutionary Guards from 1981 to 1997 and remains a prominent voice on security and defence matters.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, has long been a flashpoint in regional tensions, with any disruption carrying significant implications for global energy markets.
