Iran said that it would respond with “heavy attacks” if the US continues to strike its ships. Last week, President Donald Trump escalated enforcement of the blockade on Iran by attacking its vessels. 

A statement published by the Iranian military on Saturday explained, “Any attack on Iranian tankers and commercial vessels will result in a heavy attack on one of the American centres in the region and enemy ships.”

Tehran issued the statement following the US attack and disabling two Iranian-flagged tankers on Friday. The vessels were attacked as part of the enforcement of the blockade of Iranian ports. 

Trump announced the blockade last month, after the ceasefire began. Tehran considers the blockade a violation of the ceasefire and has refused to allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen to commercial ships. Iran seized control over the Strait after the start of the war and has restricted shipping to vessels from “friendly nations” that pay a toll to Tehran. 

The Strait has become a major problem for President Trump. Before the start of the war, the critical waterway was open to all ships entering or leaving the Persian Gulf. Iran took control of the Strait in response to the surprise attack by the US and Israel. 

Now, Trump is attempting to wrestle control of the Strait away from Tehran as well as achieve his other objectives for the war.