Oct 15, IRIB reported Iran's commander‑in‑chief Hatami said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and claims it has reopened are false; it will not reopen until the rights of the Iranian people are respected. He said the IRGC navy controls the western Strait while the army's naval forces control the eastern Strait and the Gulf of Oman. Hatami said Iran has stepped up maritime operations recently, with numerous vessels it deemed in violation struck by mines or attacked. He added Iran used a recent

Oct 15, IRIB reported Iran's commander‑in‑chief Hatami said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and claims it has reopened are false; it will not reopen until the rights of the Iranian people are respected. He said the IRGC navy controls the western Strait while the army's naval forces control the eastern Strait and the Gulf of Oman. Hatami said Iran has stepped up maritime operations recently, with numerous vessels it deemed in violation struck by mines or attacked. He added Iran used a recent lull to repair wartime damage and has increased equipment numbers, quality and combat readiness, saying forces are prepared for any war. Hatami warned that if Iranian infrastructure is attacked, Iran will retaliate against enemy infrastructure and interests several‑fold and urged adversaries not to attack.