Iran called European ships near the Strait of Hormuz legitimate targets

European ships that approach the Strait of Hormuz will be legitimate targets of the Iranian army.

As reported by Fars, this was stated by Deputy Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic Kazem Gharibabadi on Iranian television.

"Any European ship that wants to approach the Strait of Hormuz is a legitimate target," the diplomat said.

He added that Hormuz has become "part of Iran's national security" and represents an important defense capability. According to Gharibabadi, the strait is a key "indicator of success" for Iran in the war, and the measures taken regarding it will have a long-term impact on the country's security.

"If the situation in the Strait of Hormuz returns to its previous state, our success in the war will be incomplete," he emphasized.

On June 18, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, but just a month later mutual strikes resumed — the American military launched a new series of strikes on the territory of the Islamic Republic, citing attacks against commercial vessels and its military personnel in the region. In response, Tehran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed until U.S. interference ceased. The American military on July 15 resumed the blockade of vessels heading to Iranian ports and coastal areas.