Iran armed forces spokesman urges regional coop. on Hormuz, says US presence root of insecurity

The spokesman for Iran's armed forces has called for regional cooperation to secure the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that Iran’s management of the strategic waterway brings security to the entire region and that the presence of US forces is the primary source of instability.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, the senior spokesman for Iran's armed forces, made the remarks in an interview with IRIB's News Network, stressing that Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz is a factor of security, not insecurity.

"The reason for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is the presence of Americans. If the countries of the region join hands with Iran, we will not allow any insecurity in the region," General Shekarchi said.

The spokesman underscored that under international law, territorial waters extend up to 12 nautical miles from coastlines, and only Iran and Oman have coastlines along the strait.

Therefore, management of the waterway must be carried out by these two countries.

"America has come from thousands of kilometers away and has no legal right to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz," he stated.

US presence fuels instability, not Iran

General Shekarchi said the Islamic Republic did not initiate the war but was subjected to aggression.

Today, Iran's presence in the strait is solely aimed at ensuring the security of commercial shipping, oil tankers, and vessels, he said.

"The United States is trying to create insecurity by interfering in maritime routes and imposing its will on international vessels, while the Islamic Republic has acted to establish security," he said.

General Shekarchi noted that since the Americans declared the ceasefire, their drone flights over the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz have not stopped for a single day, demonstrating their continued hostile approach.

"The main factor of insecurity in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is America, not the Islamic Republic of Iran," he declared.

No return to pre-war status

The spokesman called on regional countries not to allow their territory to be used for US military operations against Iran.

"If the Muslim countries of the region do not place their skies, coasts, and logistical facilities at the disposal of the aggressor US army, many security problems will disappear," he said.

General Shekarchi stressed that Iran will never retreat on the issue of managing the Strait of Hormuz and that the situation will not return to what it was before February 28, 2026.

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Management of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to what it was before February 28," he said, referring to the date the war began.

He added that all armed forces across the country are at full readiness for any possible scenario in the coming hours and days.

Attack on infrastructure will target entire region

Responding to recent US threats, General Shekarchi said Iran's position is that if America targets Iran's infrastructure, all regional infrastructure will become legitimate targets for the Islamic Republic.

"Either all countries in the region can export oil and use maritime routes, or no one will be able to, without American interference, because the Islamic Republic does not seek to deprive regional countries of their interests. The main problem is America's presence in the region," he said.

He added that Iran has given "crushing responses" to the enemy and will continue to do so.

Iran's growing power

General Shekarchi emphasized that Iran's military power has multiplied since the 12-day imposed war, and the armed forces are capable of continuing the fight for months or even years if necessary.

"One of the most important achievements of the recent wars is the synergy between the Army and the IRGC," he said, noting that the Iranian people witnessed the unbreakable bond between the two forces in defending the country.

"Today, the Army is a doctrinal army born of the values of the Islamic Revolution, and alongside the IRGC, it will give a decisive and beyond-expectation response to any action against Iran," he said.

General Shekarchi dismissed US President Donald Trump's threats and insults, saying they reflect American political culture, not Iranian reality.

"Iran is a nation with culture, awareness, and an ancient civilization, and Iranian officials are educated in the school of Islam and never use insulting language against enemies," he said.

He also stressed that Iran has no trust in US officials, stating that the United States has failed to uphold any agreement, even after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two presidents.

He added that the era of US bullying and superpower claims is over, and further confrontation will only accelerate America's decline.

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