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Armed Forces vow to retaliate US act of ‘piracy’ in Sea of Oman
China voices concern over US seizure of Iranian cargo ship
However, he said due to the presence of several family members of the ship's crew — whose lives and safety were at constant risk — they faced certain limitations.
"Given the current situation, once the safety of the families and crew of the vessel targeted by American aggression is ensured, the powerful Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take the necessary action against the terrorist US army," Zolfaghari said.
His remarks came after the United States carried out a flagrant act of aggression on an Iranian merchant vessel in the waters of the Sea of Oman, deploying its terrorist marines onto the ship’s deck and disabling its navigation systems.
In immediate response, Iranian forces struck back, targeting several American military vessels in the area with drone attacks.
On Friday, Iran had declared the Strait was open to commercial shipping, weeks after it was shut down to vessels associated with the US, Israel and their allies following the launch of an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic on February 28.
However, the IRGC Navy said in a statement on Saturday that Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz after the United States chose to retain its blockade of Iranian ports in violation of the conditions of a two-week ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump.
China expressed concern over the "forced interception" by the US of the Iranian cargo ship, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday, urging relevant parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement in a responsible manner.
"The situation in the Strait of Hormuz is sensitive and complicated," said spokesman Guo Jiakun during a regular press briefing. Parties involved should avoid further escalation and "create the necessary conditions for normal transit through the strait to resume," he added.
Beijing on Monday also urged relevant parties to "continue to maintain the momentum of the ceasefire and negotiations.”