Iran's Armed Forces Chief of Staff: US Military Vessels Will Not Be Allowed Into the Persian Gulf

Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of staff of Iran's armed forces and commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Saturday, 24 October 2026 (2 Aban 1405), that Iran will not, "under any circumstances and at any time", allow US military vessels to enter the Persian Gulf. Donya-e-Eqtesad published the remarks in its section that relays official media.

He claimed the US Navy can no longer approach the seas around the Persian Gulf and Iran's territorial waters, and accused Donald Trump of contradicting himself over the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities. Abdollahi said Iran's strategy is that the longer the confrontation lasts, the deeper the United States sinks into the conflict. The remarks are the official position of an Iranian military officer and we have not independently confirmed the claims about the US Navy's capability; Brent had settled at $116.67 on Friday, 23 October 2026 (1 Aban 1405).