Iran's Armed Forces preparing measures after US attack on vessel
3 Min Read
Iran says its forces are preparing a response to a US attack on an Iranian vessel in the Gulf of Oman, warning of escalation and condemning the incident as maritime piracy.
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The Talaeieh land attack cruise missile system is displayed in an unveiling ceremony at a naval base near the Indian Ocean in the southern Iranian port of Konarak, Iran, on December 24, 2023. (Iranian Army via AP)
Iran’s Armed Forces are preparing for measures in response to the United States' assault on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, according to statements by the country’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.
A spokesperson for the headquarters said Iranian forces would take the “necessary measures” against US forces following the “blatant aggression” carried out by the US Navy against the Iranian-flagged cargo ship TOUSKA.
Response delayed over crew safety
In remarks broadcast by Iranian state television, the spokesperson stated that the Armed Forces had been ready to deliver a decisive response immediately after the incident. However, the presence of crew members’ families on board the vessel required restraint to ensure their safety.
“After ensuring the safety of the families and crew, the powerful Iranian armed forces will take the necessary measures against the US military,” the spokesperson said.
Tehran condemns “maritime piracy”
In an earlier statement, the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters described the incident as “maritime piracy” and a clear violation of the ceasefire. It said US forces had disrupted the vessel’s navigation systems and conducted an airborne landing operation on its deck.
The statement warned that Iran’s Armed Forces would respond soon to “armed piracy” by US forces.
The developments follow remarks by US President Donald Trump, who stated that the US Navy had opened fire on an Iranian-flagged cargo ship and seized it after it allegedly attempted to breach a US-imposed maritime blockade in the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian officials warn of broader consequences
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a call with his Pakistani counterpart on Sunday, said threats targeting Iranian ports and vessels, alongside escalating US rhetoric, “indicate bad faith”, stressing that Tehran would use all available means to safeguard its national security and interests.
Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref also issued a warning regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, stating that “its security is not without cost,” adding that restricting Iran’s oil exports while expecting it to ensure maritime security for others is untenable.
The escalation comes after the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the maritime blockade on Iranian ports is lifted, citing US violations of ceasefire commitments.
Read more: US blockade on Iran hinders Pakistani diplomatic push
