Iranian Deputy FM: Any European warship approaching Hormuz to clear mines is a legitimate target

The Iranian regime has escalated its rhetoric regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserting that the waterway is now an integral part of Iran's national security. According to reports from N12 and other Israeli media outlets, Gharibabadi explicitly named France and the United Kingdom as nations that have been notified of this stance.

Threats to European Navies

Gharibabadi stated that Iran is prepared to take any necessary steps to establish its sovereignty over the strait, even if such actions lead to a renewal of active conflict. "Any European ship that wants to approach the Strait of Hormuz is a legitimate target for us," he said, specifically referencing potential Western efforts to clear mines from the channel. These remarks follow a pattern of Iranian claims over the waterway, which Tehran increasingly treats as territorial waters rather than an international passage.

New Defensive Capabilities

In a notable development, the Deputy Foreign Minister claimed that Iran has discovered or developed a new defensive capability which it has named 'Strait of Hormuz.' While the technical nature of this capability was not detailed in the reports, Gharibabadi framed it as a strategic asset that has become a pillar of the country's national defense. This claim aligns with previous statements from Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who have insisted that the maritime status quo in the region has permanently shifted.

Regional Context

As The Zioneer has reported previously, Iran has sought to formalize its control over the strait through bilateral agreements, such as a memorandum of understanding with Oman, while challenging global maritime norms. The current threats appear to be a response to the ongoing security architecture involving the United States and its allies. Gharibabadi also addressed the broader diplomatic landscape, noting that while message exchanges with the U.S. continue, Iran has not requested a ceasefire nor submitted a formal request for negotiations.