TEHRAN — Iran dismissed US assertions that its naval capabilities have been destroyed, issuing a defiant warning that Donald Trump can send his ships into the Persian Gulf “if he dares.”
Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naini, a spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), asserted on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the full control of the IRGC Navy. “The Strait of Hormuz is completely under the management of the IRGC Navy and Iran has complete sovereignty,” he said, emphasizing Tehran’s continued authority over the critical shipping corridor.
Naini directly addressed US statements claiming Iran’s naval forces had been neutralized, saying, “Doesn't Trump say that he destroyed the Iranian Navy? So if he dares, he can send his ships into the Persian Gulf region.” His remarks signal Iran’s willingness to confront any perceived threats to its maritime security while maintaining a strong posture in the region.
The IRGC spokesman also highlighted the scale of Iran’s retaliatory operations since the start of the conflict. He claimed that Iranian forces have launched approximately 700 missiles and 3,600 drones targeting US and Israeli positions across the Middle East. “We seek to punish the aggressor and continue our heavy and destructive attacks on the enemy,” Naini added.
He further stated that the ongoing war will conclude only when “the enemy” acknowledges the strength of Iran’s military and social deterrence. Naini framed the conflict as a demonstration of Iran’s capacity to defend its sovereignty and maintain strategic leverage in the region.
The current escalation began on February 28, when Israel and United States launched joint attacks on Iran. The strikes targeted Iranian military infrastructure and personnel, reportedly killing around 1,300 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response, Tehran has conducted multiple retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting Israel country", ","Jordan","country", Iraq.
