Iranian adviser to Supreme Leader Khamenei, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned that Tehran will not allow the creation of what he described as a “second corridor” in the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran would oppose continued restrictions on maritime movement amid rising tensions with the United States.
Rezaei, a senior Iranian official and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), made the remarks in a post on social media platform X early Tuesday, August 4. He said Iran would not accept what he described as a continued naval blockade and warned that US forces and vessels could face serious consequences if the situation continues.
He also called on Washington to reconsider its regional policies, without providing further details on what measures Iran would take if maritime tensions escalate.
The comments come amid growing concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that serves as one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. A significant share of global oil and gas exports passes through the strait, making any disruption a major concern for international markets.
Iran has repeatedly warned that military pressure and restrictions on maritime activity in the Gulf could increase regional instability. Tehran has argued that security in the waterway should be maintained through regional cooperation and international maritime rules rather than foreign military pressure.
The United States has maintained military operations in the region, saying its presence is aimed at protecting freedom of navigation, safeguarding commercial shipping and reducing risks to international trade. US officials have previously said security concerns have affected shipping activity in the Gulf, with some vessels adjusting routes amid heightened tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained a major point of confrontation between Iran and the United States for decades. Relations between Washington and Tehran deteriorated significantly after the United States withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018 and reimposed sanctions on Iran.
Disputes over Iran’s nuclear program, regional military activities and US sanctions have continued to fuel tensions, with periodic military incidents raising concerns about a wider confrontation.
The latest remarks come as regional governments and international actors continue diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation between Iran and the United States. However, disagreements over maritime security, military deployments and regional influence remain unresolved.
