On Saturday, [Ali Abdollahi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Abdollahi) – chief of staff of Iran’s armed forces – announced that US warships would never be permitted to sail in the Persian Gulf, adding that President Donald Trump would "take that dream to his grave." The declaration came amid escalating rhetoric from Washington and Israel, with US ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack warning that a strike on Iran could occur as early as the coming week.
**What did Iran’s military leadership say?**
- The Iranian statement was made on 27 October 2026.
- Abdollahi said, "We will not allow US military ships in the Persian Gulf under any circumstances and at any time."
- He also claimed the US president must "dream of seeing the armed forces enter the Persian Gulf. He will take that dream to his grave."
**How has Iran been controlling the [Strait of Hormuz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strait_of_Hormuz)?**
Since the conflict that began on 28 February 2026, Iran has limited vessel traffic through the strategic waterway that channels roughly 20 % of the world’s oil and gas. Tehran requires ships to obtain permission before transiting and has repeatedly targeted vessels that attempt the southern route near Oman, which Iran deems illegal.
**What incidents involving tankers have occurred recently?**
- Iranian forces reported that several tankers trying to use the contested route were struck by mines in the past few days.
- On Friday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that two super‑tankers, together carrying more than 4.5 million barrels of crude oil, were abandoned after their engine rooms were disabled by explosions and a fierce fire.
- The IRGC said the explosions were caused by mines laid in the Strait of Hormuz.
In response, the United States has imposed a counter‑blockade on Iranian ports and ships, further heightening tensions in the region. Both sides continue to exchange threats, raising concerns over the security of a key global energy corridor.
Overall, the standoff underscores the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where any disruption could have far‑reaching effects on global oil markets.