Iran's military leadership has warned that United States warships will not be permitted to re-enter the Persian Gulf, as President Donald Trump considers renewed military strikes against Tehran amid an eight-month conflict that continues to destabilize the region.
The warning follows Trump's remarks on Friday that Washington could launch another major bombing campaign against Iran or maintain pressure through sanctions and a naval blockade.
Major General Ali Abdollahi, Iran's armed forces chief of staff and commander of Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said Saturday that Iranian forces could target American vessels approaching the country's territorial waters.
He argued that Washington's reluctance to move aircraft carriers closer to Iran contradicted American claims that Tehran's military capabilities had been largely destroyed.
Abdollahi also threatened continued retaliation against the United States and Israel over their February 28 attacks, which triggered the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reporting multiple attacks involving tankers and naval mines.
Brent crude climbed to approximately $117 per barrel as concerns mounted over shipping disruptions and further military escalation.
Regional hostilities have also continued, with Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Israeli strikes reported in southern Lebanon, and heightened security measures imposed in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign ministers from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Britain, France, Germany and Italy met in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the widening conflict.
Neither Iran nor the United States participated in the discussions.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that renewed attacks against Iran could expand the war across the region.
The four regional governments supported a negotiated settlement based on the June Islamabad memorandum while calling for unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
They also opposed attacks on civilians and commercial shipping.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, Iranian state-linked commentary indicated that Tehran expects Washington and European governments to make concessions before negotiations can advance.
Iranian media and analysts increasingly warned of another major confrontation, reflecting mounting uncertainty over whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation.