"After facing blows from fighters and Strait of Hormuz defenders, the adversary dares not venture further into the Arabian Sea," Iranian state media quoted Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei as stating on 28/9.

The Arabian Sea, extending east from the Arabian Peninsula towards India, is a shipping lane connecting to the Persian Gulf. All vessels seeking to enter the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Sea must pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Navy recently increased its presence in Hormuz, escorting oil tankers from Gulf nations through the strait, despite Iran's blockades and threats of attack.

"Such reckless attempts to cross the strait only result in losses for them. Soon, they will not be able to maintain a presence in the Arabian Sea either," Khamenei added.

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. *Photo: Tasnim*

Iranian media previously quoted General Habibollah Sayyari, deputy chief of staff of Iran's army, stating that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces fully control the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. The US military, however, refuted this claim.

Mojtaba has not appeared publicly since becoming Supreme Leader in March, fueling speculation about his health. Last week, President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox News that the Supreme Leader's health is normal.

Washington and Tehran have vied for control of the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East conflict began with US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February. Before hostilities, this waterway transported about one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas.

However, Tehran blockaded the Strait of Hormuz after fighting erupted, with Washington responding by blockading Iranian seaports.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Sea. *Graphic: Guardian*

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York last week, Iran, through intermediaries, proposed a ceasefire with the US and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 7 days. While US President Donald Trump told reporters he rejected the offer, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran awaits Washington's official response.

"Iran will remain steadfast against all hostile actions, even if they lead to an apocalyptic war," Araghchi stated on 27/9, seemingly referencing President Trump's remarks about potentially resuming airstrikes against Iran.

*By Huyen Le (AFP, Anadolu Agency)*