Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, Ali Abdollahi, said on Saturday, October 24, that US military ships would never be allowed into the Persian Gulf under any circumstances, according to Iranian state television. He added that President Donald Trump would “take that dream to his grave.” The remarks were reported by AFP and several other outlets.
The statement by Major General Ali Abdollahi is a vow to deny access, not an announcement of a new military step. It does, however, show how hard Tehran’s position has become at a moment of rising tension. The comments came as the US and Israel were signalling they might attack Iran again. Tom Barrack, Washington’s envoy in Turkey, said a US strike was a real possibility as early as the weekend.
“We will not allow US military ships in the Persian Gulf under any circumstances and at any time,” said Major General Ali Abdollahi. “The US president must dream of seeing the armed forces enter the Persian Gulf. He will take that dream to his grave.”
The statement comes as a response to a long confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides are blocking each other. The US Navy is stopping ships from reaching Iran, and Iran is limiting who can enter the Gulf. According to AFP, the US began blocking Iranian ports and ships in response to Iran’s limits. Iran now says any ship must get its permission before passing through.
The standoff has deep roots. The US and Israel began striking Iran on February 28, 2026. In June, Trump and Iran announced an agreement to end the war and reopen the strait, but that deal collapsed over vague wording, including who would control the waterway.
The US has not yet decided on new action. CNN reported on October 26 that US forces could launch major operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from Trump, according to two US officials. Time magazine reports that Trump has not approved the proposed strikes and has called off plans to renew attacks before.
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The ongoing Iran-United States War, which erupted into a full-scale regional conflict following joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes, remains highly volatile. The conflict was triggered on February 28, 2026, under Operation Epic Fury, resulting in the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
As tensions have spiked dramatically once again, with severe military positioning, ongoing regional proxy battles and a significant impact on global energy markets are looming in the horizon.
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High-intensity joint planning between Washington and Jerusalem has entered operational overdrive. According to reports, US CENTCOM is massing three aircraft carrier strike groups, strategic bombers, and thousands of Marines across the Middle East. Rehearsals focus on targeting underground nuclear installations, ballistic missile stockpiles, and key energy infrastructure following the upcoming U.S. midterm elections.
