With heightened tensions in West Asia following the latest round of strikes by the United States, Iran on Sunday described the Strait of Hormuz as “more important than a dozen of atom bombs’, underscoring its commitment to defend the strategically crucial chokepoint waterway.
The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated sharply over the past few days with Tehran targeting vessels in the Hormuz and the US military striking Iranian energy targets.
“This strategic passage is more important than dozens of atomic bombs, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will protect it,” Rezaee was quoted as saying by Iran’s ISNA news agency.
His remarks came shortly after US launched a fresh round of strikes, targeting Iran’s coastal energy infrastructure.
The US attacks follow Iranian interception of a commercial vessel in the Hormuz Strait.
The vessel – GFS Galaxy – was targeted by Iranian forces off the coast of Oman on Sunday, resulting in a fire on the deck.
The crew members, which also included Indian nationals, abandoned the vessel and left in a lifeboat, reported the UK Maritime Trade Operations.
Iran also launched missile and drone attacks on US targets in several Gulf countries.
Senior Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the US of consequences, saying that the “era of one sides deals is over.”
“The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knockin” Ghalibaf said.