Iran sets battle rules in Persian Gulf, Hormuz Strait: Cmdr.

A senior Iranian commander has ruled out the possibility of a military conflict with Iran under the current circumstances, stressing that it is the Islamic Republic that will set the rules of battle in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

“The likelihood of a confrontation depends on the level of Western foolishness,” Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Rear Admiral Ali Fadavi told Mehr News Agency on Monday.

He added that the US is presently concentrating on economic pressure and sanctions against Iran while “we are ready to encounter any situation including a military option.”

The commander emphasized that Iran is fully capable of closing the Strait of Hormuz and stated that security will be maintained so long as Iran’s “vital interests and national security” are observed.

However, if the United States seeks to undermine Iran’s security, “no one will have security,” he added.

Fadavi pointed to the presence of the IRGC naval forces in international waters and said special units of the IRGC Navy are accompanying all Iranian vessels across the world to prevent any hostile move against them.

The IRGC Navy will increase its presence in international waters, the commander asserted.

Admiral Fadavi further stressed that the reason the Americans have resorted to sanctions and economic restrictions is that they are unable to use military pressure and if the US and the global arrogance were able to accomplish their objectives via military action they would not hesitate.

Fadavi said if the US fails to heed IRGC warnings in the Persian Gulf, it will face very bad consequences.

Over the past month, the US has added five warships to its Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, in an attempt to bolster its military presence in the Persian Gulf.

Washington has been weighing various alternatives to boost its military presence in the Middle East, particularly across the Persian Gulf.

Over the past years, Iran has made important breakthroughs in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing important military equipment and systems.

Tehran has repeatedly clarified that its military might is merely based on the nation’s defense doctrine of deterrence and poses no threat to other countries.