The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy’s deputy for political affairs has warned that Iran will target American vessels across the Indian Ocean if the United States wages a new war of aggression against the country. “If another war breaks out, we will undoubtedly attack and strike their vessels and destroyers, even in the Indian Ocean,” Ali Mohammadi said in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday. The remarks came after US President Donald Trump rejected a seven-day Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained under the tight grip of the Islamic Republic since the early days of the illegal US-Israeli military assault against the country. Trump also claimed that the United States already had “total control” of the strategic waterway, responsible for a fifth of global oil demand. Mohammadi said vessels in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman are under the surveillance of the IRGC Navy and that claims about the passage of oil tankers through the Strait do not correspond to reality. “If the United States claims to control the Strait of Hormuz, let it bring one of its warships into the area,” he added. “If Trump considers the Strait of Hormuz his own, then why aren’t his warships and vessels here?” he asked, in response to Trump’s post on his Truth Social platform with a graphic showing a map with the Strait of Hormuz labeled “Trump Strait.” Meanwhile, the commander expressed the armed forces’ readiness to defend Iran’s interests, saying they have prepared themselves to confront any potential hostile action by adopting new tactics, equipment, and operational methods. He further emphasized that developments in West Asia will lead to a reduction in the military presence of foreign powers, ultimately realizing the goal of the Persian Gulf free from hegemonic powers. Iran restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the criminal US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28. On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed the Pakistan-brokered Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), whose Article 5 places responsibility for reopening and managing the Strait squarely in Iran’s hands. However, Washington attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the vital global energy chokepoint, resumed its airstrikes on Iran, and imposed a naval blockade in violation of the war-ending deal. The unlawful US measures prompted Iran to declare the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic. Additionally, in his remarks, Mohammadi said the US has increasingly resorted to aerial surveillance as its drones have been shot down while bases and radar systems in the region have been targeted in Iran’s successful retaliatory strikes. “Past confrontations have demonstrated that any power that has engaged in hostilities against the Iranian nation has incurred significant costs,” he asserted.