US President Donald Trump announced that the United States is going to control the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and charge a fee for it.
"We have maintained the strait for 50 years and have never been paid for it. We used to keep it for free, but now we will make money," Trump said, adding that the US will most likely assume the role of "guardian of the strait".
At the same time, Iran has stated that it will never allow the US to interfere in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by Ibrahim Zolfoghari, the press spokesman of the "Hatam al-Anbia" central headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces.
According to him, Iran will resolutely repress any obstacle or threat created by the US armed forces for the transit of tankers and commercial ships. Zolfoghari also announced that ships moving outside the routes defined by Iran and sailing without permission will receive a harsh response.
"We warn the leaders of the regional countries. Any logistical support and cooperation provided to the US armed forces would be considered a war against Iran's sovereignty and national security. If the war expands, its fire will cover the entire region," he stated.
Zolfoghari emphasized that the USA and its cooperating countries bear the responsibility for the possible expansion of the conflict and deterioration of security in the region.
