Iran's armed forces spokesman says US claims of seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz are part of a “psychological warfare,” noting that smuggling oil through illegal routes in the strategic waterway will not prevent Washington’s defeat.
Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi said on Monday that the propaganda war and the repeated lies of US officials regarding controlling the Strait of Hormuz will not change the realities on the ground.
“Neither psychological operations nor media claims will be able to save Washington from the consequences of its failed strategies,” he added.
Noting that the US has resorted to smuggling oil via illegal routes in the Strait of Hormuz to escape the self-made quagmire in West Asia, the commander said, “But the fundamental question is this: Can maritime piracy, theft, and fuel smuggling prevent America's definitive defeat? Never!”
Following the recent US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, the Iranian armed forces have seized operational control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Last week, a senior adviser to the Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) pointed out that some individuals use small vessels to smuggle oil and transfer it to tankers.
Noting that the volume of oil smuggled via illegal routes is negligible, Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi stressed that it cannot be said that the Strait of Hormuz is open due to such activity.
He also stressed that "few” illegal routes created by violators through blasting and destroying some existing rocky passages in the Strait of Hormuz will also be blocked soon.
Tehran has repeatedly maintained that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz or resumption of normal maritime traffic is strictly contingent upon Washington ceasing its military aggression, lifting its naval blockade, and formally recognizing Iran’s sovereign rights and strategic red lines.
Referring to recent insults made by “deluded” US officials against Iran’s civilization, history, and people, Shekarchi said these remarks “reflect their desperation.”
He stressed that such remarks also strengthen the unwavering resolve of the “heroic” Iranian nation, saying, “We have repeatedly demonstrated our strength and resolve to the American and Zionist enemies and their allies.”
On October 8, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement in which he attempted to frame Washington's aggressive foreign policy as a continuation of ancient Western glory.
"We believe that the West can awaken from its long slumber – and rekindle the fire that was first lit in ancient Greece millennia ago," Rubio claimed.
Shekarchi stressed that the Iranian armed forces are more prepared than ever before, adding that they have “resolutely” defended the country’s interests and security, and will inflict defeat upon the enemy through “a powerful assault.”
He urged the regional countries to abandon their reliance on the US to ensure their security, saying, “Washington is incapable of even ensuring its own security in the region, let alone guaranteeing the security of others.”
Shekarchi warned that their continued reliance on the US will only increase the cost of their miscalculation and wrong decision.
“We will not allow the regional order desired by the United States and the Zionist regime to be restored in West Asia,” he emphasized.
The US and Israel launched another round of aggression against Iran on February 28, some eight months after carrying out unprovoked attacks on the country.
Iran swiftly retaliated by launching barrages of missiles and drones at the Israeli-occupied territories, as well as US bases and interests across the region.
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