An Iraqi anti-terror resistance group has hailed Iran’s control and management of the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing American aggression, stressing that the Islamic Republic is tightening the noose around the neck of Washington and its Western allies by holding sway over the strategic waterway.

Abdul Qader al-Karbalaei, the military deputy of Harakat Hezbollah al-Nujaba movement, said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz blockade has backfired on the United States and its allies as gasoline costs $90 per 30 liters in the US compared with only $7 in Iran.

He added that the countries which stayed out of the US-Israeli war of aggression and blockade against Iran have obtained Tehran’s permission to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and avoided international crises.

Karbalaei also noted that Iraq should have rejected unjust US decisions to ensure the smooth passage of its oil shipments, just like countries that refused to comply with Washington.

On Thursday evening, the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) second-in-command underscored the combat readiness of Iran’s Armed Forces in the south of the country, saying they are fully prepared to defend the Strait of Hormuz and safeguard the Iranian nation’s interests and rights in the key waterway.

Major General Mostafa Izadi said the IRGC Ground Force, Navy and Aerospace Force maintain operational positions on the islands and in territories situated north of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing their preparedness to safeguard the strategically important region.

He highlighted that the defensive capacities of the forces positioned in the area include well-developed operational plans, state-of-the-art tactical and technical capabilities, and comprehensive readiness in combat engineering operations, troop mobilization, and strategic equipment positioning.

The commander stated that the Iranian Armed Forces exercise control over the Strait of Hormuz, expressing hope that their combat preparedness would be further strengthened across the islands and maritime territories in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.