Iran vows to block US warships from Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate

Iran has vowed to prevent US military ships from entering the Persian Gulf under any circumstances, escalating tensions as Washington threatens further military action. The statement came from Iran's armed forces chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, on Saturday. Abdollahi said US President Donald Trump would "take that dream to his grave" regarding US forces entering the Gulf. Iran has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the war with the United States began on February 28, with Washington imposing a counterblockade on Iranian ports and vessels. US Ambassador to Turkiye Tom Barrack said a US strike on Iran could occur this weekend, while Trump remains open to a diplomatic deal. Trump warned of another "little Epic Fury" if negotiations fail, after Iran reported two supertankers carrying over 4.5 million barrels of crude oil were abandoned following mine strikes.