The Commander of the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy warned foreign powers of harming Iran's interests, asserting that Iran will take a firm stance to protect its rights in an interview with Al Mayadeen on Friday.

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the naval forces in Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), warned "foreign parties" against threatening Iranian interests, stating, "If foreigners attempt to attack us, pressure us, or endanger our interests, we will stand against them with full force."

At the same time, he emphasized that "Iran does not seek war but will respond firmly to any aggression."

"نحن لسنا دعاة حرب ولا نسعى إليها وإذا قرر العدو المساس بمصالحنا أو مصالح شعبنا أو الاعتداء علینا فليعلم أننا سنرد"

قائد القوة البحرية في حرس الثورة الإيراني، علي رضا تنكسيري، من على متن حاملة المسيرات المتعددة المهام#الميادين#مقابلة_مع pic.twitter.com/Z2rUgHWnNo

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) March 28, 2025

In an exclusive interview for Al Mayadeen aboard an Iranian drone carrier, Admiral Tangsiri asserted that "the Gulf region is the home of Iran and its neighboring countries, and no one will be allowed to ignite a fire in their home," referring to the foreign warships currently present in the Gulf.

Regarding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, he explained that "the decision rests with the top leadership, but the responsibility for carrying it out lies with me," adding that "If our rights are denied, the decision to close the strait will be made, and we will carry it out based on higher directives."

"نوجه رسالة إلى الأجانب أنه إذا أرادوا الاعتداء علينا فسنقف في وجههم.. "اتخاذ قرار إغلاق مضیق هرمز لیس في يدي، بل في أيدي الجهات العليا، لکن تنفیذه يقع عليّ"

قائد القوة البحرية في حرس الثورة الإيراني، علي رضا تنكسيري، من على متن حاملة المسيرات المتعددة المهام#الميادين… pic.twitter.com/rRSH2ofJ2P

— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) March 28, 2025

Iran's military capabilities

Admiral Tangsiri revealed that Iran has been strengthening its defensive infrastructure on the three islands since 1994,  stating that these islands are no longer just defensive outposts but have also taken on an offensive role, while also confirming that Iran possesses missile-equipped boats and long-range weaponry stored in secret locations.

Tangsiri also noted that Tehran has showcased some of its capabilities during military drills but has since upgraded them by "increasing missile range, enhancing firepower, and improving strike accuracy," emphasizing that "Iran is capable of striking all enemy bases wherever they are and will not stand idle in the face of any threat."

Adm. Tangsiri calls neighboring countries to joint drills

In this context, Admiral Tangsiri told Al Mayadeen that "Iran has invited Arab countries to participate in military exercises," noting the presence of representatives from "the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, and Kuwait." He also expressed Tehran's readiness to conduct joint exercises with "Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain."

He pointed out that "the Sultanate of Oman is a brotherly and friendly state, and Iran participates with it in military exercises on a continuous basis", considering that "the Gulf is a gulf of brotherhood and friendship", and affirming that "the enemy seeks to sow division among the countries of the region to sell its weapons and maintain its military presence".

'Resistance can't be erased by killing one person'

On the topic of Resistance movements in the region, the admiral highlighted Iran’s unwavering stance, stressing that Resistance does not fade with the loss of an individual but rather strengthens under pressure.

He noted that Hezbollah is now more powerful than ever, while Hamas has demonstrated increased resilience after enduring 17 months of bombardment.

Tangsiri added that "Iran supports resistance movements because it defends the oppressed, however, it does not impose its will on the movements," emphasizing that "Yemen is not under Iran's leadership; it has its own independent army and leadership, and it is the one that determines the course of its battle."

The IRGC commander concluded by saying that Iran will not accept "the policy of arrogance and pressure, and we will be ready to confront any threat. Iran has prepared itself for such days and will not allow any power to impose its will on it."