Iran warns US against attacking vessels, vows retaliation

Iran's military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, has issued a stern warning to the United States, stating that any threat against Iranian vessels in its coastal and territorial waters will not go unanswered. The command accused the US of expanding the conflict in the region through alleged illegal naval blockades and threats against Iranian vessels and commercial ships.

This warning comes amid escalating tensions following US military strikes against Iran, which President Donald Trump stated were in retaliation for Iran downing a US Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the US response as "very strong" and "very powerful."

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi echoed the warning, urging US forces to "leave our region if you want to be safe" and referencing the "dire fates of intruding outsiders" in the history of the Persian Gulf. He accused Washington of escalating the confrontation despite perceived setbacks on the battlefield and asserted that Iran's armed forces were prepared to retaliate.

Iranian state media reported multiple explosions and projectile impacts in various locations following the commencement of US operations.