Iran on Thursday warned that any US interference in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a “swift and decisive” response, accusing Washington of undermining security in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which coordinates the country’s armed forces operations, said the continued presence of US manned and unmanned military aircraft over the Strait of Hormuz posed a threat to regional stability.

“The Strait of Hormuz is not a playground for the aggressor United States,” the headquarters said, describing the waterway as a sovereign area under Iran’s control and a “red line” for the country’s armed forces.

The statement said all oil tankers and commercial vessels transiting the strait must follow routes designated by Iranian authorities and comply with Tehran’s navigation protocols.

It warned that any vessel deviating from the prescribed routes or failing to follow the regulations would face an “immediate and authoritative” response from Iran’s armed forces, adding that such actions could endanger the security of the vessels involved.

The military command also warned that any attempt by the United States to interfere in security matters in the Strait of Hormuz would be regarded as a violation of Iran’s national sovereignty and would be met with a “swift and decisive” reaction.

Iran further claimed that the continued deployment of US manned and unmanned fighter aircraft over the strategic waterway had created insecurity and threatened regional stability.

The latest warning comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a key global energy chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes.