Baghdad: Iraq’s Iranian-backed Kataib Hezbollah militia on Sunday issued a stark warning against any forcible efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to destroy oil and gas facilities in retaliation, Iran’s Press TV reported.
Kataib Hezbollah Secretary-General Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi declared: “The enemies should be aware that any attempt to forcibly reopen the Strait of Hormuz will result in the complete destruction of every oil and gas platform or facility.”
In the statement, al-Hamidawi insisted the strategic waterway remains off-limits to adversaries and cautioned against military action. He elaborated: “They must realize the equation of today: either security for all or security for none, and either prosperity for all or everyone is deprived of it.”
The leader decried ongoing assaults on civilian infrastructure as the regional conflict enters its fifth week. He urged financial contributions, specifying they would support Lebanon, as reported by The Economic Times.
Tehran’s position aligns with these threats. The Iranian Navy announced on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz has experienced “irreversible changes” and will not return to its previous state — particularly for foes including the United States and Israel. The command highlighted recent developments that curb extra-regional powers, especially Washington, from dictating terms in Iran’s maritime domain.
Press TV reported the initiative seeks a new indigenous security framework in the Persian Gulf, prioritizing stability through littoral states’ efforts and excluding “provocative and illegitimate” foreign presence. Measures include bolstered naval forces, sophisticated surveillance, and swift response mechanisms to secure Iranian waters and sustain energy transit.
These declarations unfold against escalating US rhetoric with President Donald Trump recently threatening to “unleash hell” on Iran should it persist in blocking the vital energy chokepoint. Iranian officials maintain the strait stays accessible to all except vessels affiliated with the US, Israel, or their partners.
With Trump’s deadline looming, diplomatic channels stir. Axios reported on Sunday (US time), citing sources, that the US, Iran, and regional mediators are negotiating terms for a 45-day ceasefire — potentially paving the way for a permanent resolution to the war.
