Iran’s military has warned that any threat to the country’s ports would provoke a wider regional response, saying no port in the Persian Gulf or the Sea of Oman would remain secure if Iranian facilities are targeted.

In a statement on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari said security in these strategic waterways must be collective, stressing that it should either apply to all countries or none.

He said the Iranian armed forces view the protection of national rights, including sovereignty over territorial waters, as a legitimate and non-negotiable responsibility, adding that maritime security in Iranian waters would be enforced decisively.

Zolfaqari stated that vessels linked to hostile entities would not be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while other ships could transit in accordance with regulations set by Iran’s armed forces.

He also said Iran plans to establish a permanent mechanism to control traffic through the Strait even after the current crisis subsides.

The Iranian official described US restrictions on maritime transit in international waters as illegal and akin to piracy.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump announced that the US navy would enforce a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, scheduled to begin at 10am ET on Monday.

Separately, Iran’s navy commander dismissed the US move as “ridiculous,” saying Iranian forces were closely monitoring US naval activity in the region.

Iran has already imposed restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the conflict on February 28, allowing passage to vessels from friendly nations while blocking those linked to adversaries.

Meanwhile, Iran’s parliament is considering draft legislation that would impose transit fees in local currency and formally ban US and Israeli vessels from passing through the strategic waterway.