Iran has warned the United States of a decisive response to what it called military aggression. The country’s top joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated that any attack on southern Iran would be met with stronger retaliation than ever before. In a statement, the command described the recent assault as an open act of aggression and declared that Tehran would not tolerate US interference in the management of the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement emphasized that the only safe route for ship navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is the one established by Iran. The warning followed US airstrikes on several Iranian targets, which Washington said were carried out in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. The US Central Command confirmed the strikes in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The exchange of warnings underscores rising tensions between Tehran and Washington over control and security in one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.