The military conflict between Tehran and Washington has shifted to a high-stakes period where Iran intends to shut out adversaries from the primary shipping lane of the Persian Gulf. Army chief Major-General Amir Hatami declared the war has entered a "critical and decisive" stage, asserting that if Iran cannot trade and survive, opposing nations will be barred from using the Strait of Hormuz. Armed Forces spokesman Shekarchi added that the US will be "slapped" if it interferes in the waterway.

This escalation follows moves by the Persian Gulf Waterways Management Authority to restrict vessels that deviate from Tehran's designated routes. The authority has begun listing non-compliant charterers on a Non-Compliance List, prompting some shipowners to send formal apology letters to secure future passage. President Masoud Pezeshkian previously called the restriction of the strait a natural response to US sanctions and stated it would remain open only if negotiations resolve the current dispute.