Iran warns of missile strikes on US navy, threatens to close Hormuz Strait

Following US attacks on multiple Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s state television declared that all American civilians and military personnel in the Middle East are now considered “legitimate targets.”

On Sunday (June 22), a presenter on Iran’s state television stated, “Every American citizen or soldier in this region is now a legitimate target.” Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced, “The war has officially begun.”

Meanwhile, a close adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called for missile attacks on the US Navy and for closing the strategic Hormuz Strait, according to a CNN report.

The adviser, Hossein Shariatmadari, said, “After the US attack on the Fordow nuclear site, it is our turn to respond.”

Citing Shariatmadari, Iran’s hardline daily Kayhan said in a Telegram message, “Without delay or hesitation, the first step should be missile attacks on the US Navy stationed in Bahrain and at the same time stopping the movement of American, British, German, and French ships through the Hormuz Strait.”

So far, Supreme Leader Khamenei has not officially responded to the US attacks.

However, earlier he warned, “If the US gets directly involved in this conflict, the damage they suffer will be irreparable.”

Earlier on Sunday (June 22) morning local time, the US attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz. Despite the attacks, Iran claims these sites will continue to operate.