Iran warned the United States it would attack or sink U.S. ships if a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues.

The threat escalates tensions in one of the world's most critical energy corridors, where any military engagement could disrupt global oil markets and trigger a broader regional conflict.

Mojtaba Khamenei, a military adviser to the Supreme Leader, issued the direct warning on April 15, 2024 [1]. He said, "Your ships will be sunk" [1]. The warning comes as Iran seeks to pressure the U.S. government before a second round of diplomatic negotiations [3].

Iranian officials and the Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have asserted dominance over the strategic waterway between Iran and Oman. A regional intelligence official said to Fox News on April 18, 2024, that the Strait of Hormuz is under full IRGC control and effectively closed [2].

The aggression extends beyond the U.S. navy. On April 22, 2024, an Iranian official said that Iran will respond with full military force if the United States or Israel launches any attack against it [3]. These statements coincide with reports of targeting tankers that violate Iranian directives, or cooperate with perceived enemies [5].

Tehran has framed these actions as a response to a perceived U.S. naval blockade [1]. The IRGC continues to monitor all vessels approaching the strait, maintaining that the waterway remains under their operational authority [5].

“"Your ships will be sunk"”

The escalation in the Strait of Hormuz serves as a tactical lever for Iran to gain concessions during diplomatic talks. By threatening the physical security of U.S. and Israeli naval assets, Tehran is signaling its willingness to risk a direct military confrontation to end the naval blockade and assert regional hegemony over the primary transit route for global petroleum.