Iran warns that its forces are "more prepared than ever" and ready to respond to any aggression

The Chief of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Ali Abdollahi, warned the U.S. that Iranian troops are "more prepared than ever, equipped with more advanced weaponry, and ready to respond with greater force to any hostile action or aggression."

Furthermore, he asserted that Iranian naval and ground forces maintain full control over the Persian Gulf coast and the Strait of Hormuz, monitoring all maritime traffic

"Contrary to claims by U.S. leaders that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, this strategic waterway is completely closed and under the control of the IRGC Navy," he stated.

 Abdollahi noted that any vessel attempting to transit outside of the routes designated by Tehran puts its own safety at risk.

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Source of information: Global News Agencies including REUTERS / TASS / AFP / ANADOLU / INT.RU / Al Jazeera / CNN