In a televised address Saturday, Ali Abdollahi pledged that Iranian forces would not allow any US warship into the Persian Gulf, warning that Washington’s “little Epic Fury” would be met with force.
Iran has tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz since the 2022 war with the United States, issuing transit permits and striking vessels that use the southern Omani route.
President Donald Trump, speaking at a rally in Florida, reiterated the possibility of a second “little Epic Fury” operation to enforce compliance, implying a military operation could be launched if Iran refuses to negotiate.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack warned that a strike on Iran could occur over the weekend, while noting that the president remains open to a deal, though he said continued threats would have consequences.
Washington has already imposed a counterblockade on Iranian ports, and the US is reportedly reviewing options to tighten sanctions or deploy naval assets in the Gulf, with a diplomatic summit slated for next week.