IRGC Spokesman: Tehran to Respond in Kind to US Seizure of Iranian Oil Tankers

 Spokesman of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Ramezan Sharif warned that Tehran will definitely respond in kind to any act of aggression by the US in West Asia.

Brig. Gen. Sharif said on Monday Tehran is now powerful enough to confiscate American ships if the US military seize Iranian vessels.

“Iran has reached such a high degree of power and capability that can respond in kind to any US action and mischief [in the region],” he stressed.

The spokesperson added that regional countries have “correctly understood that Iran is turning into a big power in the region”.

“In any direct battle between Iran and the United States during recent years, regional countries have seen the weakness of America and the power of the Islamic Republic, and have understood that the security of the Persian Gulf must be established by its own littoral countries,” he continued.

His remarks came after the US Naval Forces Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Monday that the US Navy has deployed more than 3,000 sailors and Marine forces to West Asia under the pretext of protecting ships and vessels crossing the main waterways in the strategic region.

Iran has repeatedly condemned the US for “warmongering” and escalating tensions with its regular military deployments in West Asia.

In recent months, Iranian naval forces have impounded several ships off the country’s Southern coast for their breaches of shipping safety law, with the US claiming that the moves are “illegal” and “endanger” shipping safety.

Tehran dismisses the claims as baseless, stressing the vessel seizures are in fact meant to consolidate the maritime law.