Iran’s IRGC Advisor: Strait of Hormuz “Practically Closed,” US Warships Face Advanced Missiles
TEHRAN – A senior advisor to the Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a robust statement affirming Iran’s strategic resolve, military capabilities, and conditions for regional peace. Brigadier General Ebrahim Jabari, in an interview with Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, declared the Strait of Hormuz to be “practically closed” and warned that advanced Iranian missiles await any US warships venturing into the vital waterway. His remarks underscored Iran’s unwavering stance against perceived aggression and its determination to reshape the regional security landscape.
A Message of Revolutionary Continuity
Addressing questions regarding leadership and the future trajectory of the Islamic Republic, Brigadier General Jabari emphasized the enduring vitality and principles of the Iranian Revolution. He asserted that the revolution has been “rejuvenated,” signaling the “catastrophic failure” of any war initiated by the United States and Israel to destabilize Iran. He highlighted the profound unity of the Iranian people and various institutions behind the leadership, portraying this cohesion as a direct refutation of attempts to sow division.
Targeting US Bases, Not Neighbors
Brigadier General Jabari clarified Iran’s regional military actions, stating that Iranian attacks are specifically directed at American bases within some neighboring countries, not against the sovereign nations or their populations. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to peaceful, fraternal relations with its neighbors, but condemned the use of their territories as platforms for aggression against Iran. He cited instances where US forces, operating from these bases, allegedly targeted Iranian infrastructure and civilians, including a school in Minab and water desalination plants. Jabari maintained that these attacks will persist until US forces withdraw from the region and guarantees are provided against future aggressions.
Prepared for Protracted Conflict
The IRGC advisor articulated Iran’s readiness for a prolonged conflict, potentially extending up to a decade. He stressed that Iran’s armed forces operate based on meticulously prepared plans and scenarios, with the ultimate objective of expelling the United States from the region. He emphasized Iran’s high state of military preparedness, accumulated through years of intelligence gathering and foresight regarding potential threats.
Undeclared Missile Power
Dismissing claims by the US and Israel regarding dwindling Iranian missile stockpiles, Brigadier General Jabari affirmed that Iran’s military arsenals are replete with various generations of advanced missiles. He asserted that Iran has only begun to unveil a fraction of its weaponry since the onset of the conflict, possessing a substantial reserve of “highly destructive advanced missiles” yet to be deployed. Jabari stated that Iran’s missile infrastructure remains fully protected and operational, while enemy air defense systems, such as THAAD and Patriot, are facing depletion and have suffered significant damage. He further claimed that US forces have been compelled to redeploy thousands of soldiers from the region and have incurred substantial, unreported casualties.
Conditions for Peace: US Withdrawal
General Jabari underscored that Iran did not initiate the current conflict, but will continue its confrontation until the threat of American and Israeli war and terrorism is definitively removed. He declared Iran’s unwillingness to accept temporary ceasefires followed by renewed conflicts. The core condition for lasting peace and stability, he stated, is the “complete and permanent withdrawal of the United States from the region,” a demand reflecting the will of the Iranian people.
Hormuz: A Controlled Passage
Regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Brigadier General Jabari declared it “practically closed” for the foreseeable future, at least to hostile entities. While not officially announcing a full closure, he affirmed that passage through the strait now requires Iran’s explicit permission. He specified that only vessels from allied nations, such as Russia and China, are currently permitted transit, while numerous ships associated with adversarial states are denied access. He explicitly warned against the transit of oil or gas belonging to hostile nations, forecasting a significant surge in global oil prices as a consequence.
Warning to US Naval Presence
In a direct message to Washington, General Jabari dismissed US threats to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. He recounted instances where the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier allegedly retreated after being targeted by Iranian forces. He explicitly stated that Iran is “waiting for US warships to enter the Strait of Hormuz to destroy and sink them with our advanced missiles,” hinting at undisclosed capabilities. He added that Iran has already targeted at least 10 tankers. Brigadier General Jabari’s remarks project a clear message of Iranian resolve and military readiness to defend its strategic interests and territorial integrity.
