Foreign military units no longer dare to advance into the Persian Gulf after facing severe setbacks, according to Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The leaders of the "guardians of the Strait of Hormuz" have dealt painful blows to these opposing forces, and Khamenei predicted the Arabian Sea would also be cleared of their presence shortly. This rhetoric heightens tensions following claims by President Masoud Pezeshkian that closing the strait was a natural response to US sanctions.

Army Chief Major-General Amir Hatami recently described the war with the US as having entered a "critical and decisive" stage, asserting that if Iran's own commerce is blocked, no other nation will be able to trade. In tandem, the Persian Gulf Waterways Management Authority has begun listing non-compliant charterers on a restricted list for forcing ships through unauthorized routes. This measure has prompted some shipowners to send formal letters of apology to Tehran to ensure their vessels can continue to transit the waterway.