'This is the last warning': Iran radios US destroyer amid Hormuz de-mining mission

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iranian forces reportedly issued a warning to a US Navy vessel during ongoing operations to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring continued tensions despite a ceasefire. The reported radio exchange took place on Sunday, April 12, as US forces began efforts to restore safe passage through the strategic waterway.

Iranian officials have simultaneously denied that US ships transited the strait and signaled continued control over access. 

US warship asserts lawful passage under ceasefire rules

During the US military’s mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy reportedly issued a direct warning to an American warship.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Iranian forces radioed: “This is the last warning. This is the last warning,” to one of the US destroyers operating in the area.

A US vessel responded by stating, “Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you, and I intend to abide by the rules of our government’s cease-fire,” referencing the temporary pause in hostilities between the two sides.

The reported exchange comes as the United States Central Command said its forces had begun preparations to clear sea mines from the strait.

The command noted that the guided-missile destroyers USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the waterway is cleared of mines previously laid by the IRGC.

“Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,” said Adm Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM.

However, the IRGC disputed the US account, stating on social media, in Persian, that it maintains full control over the strait.

“The IRGC Navy fully and authoritatively manages the intelligent control of the Strait of Hormuz,” it said, adding that “permission to pass is granted solely to non-military vessels in accordance with specific regulations.”

The statement further noted: “Reports published regarding the passage of US vessels through the strait are denied, and any attempt by military vessels to pass will be met with the utmost firmness and resolve.”

Iran signals continued restrictions on key oil route

Iranian officials have also indicated that access to the Strait of Hormuz may remain restricted despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The warnings follow reported tensions after US-Iran talks in Pakistan did not yield a breakthrough, with Iranian leaders expressing confidence in their position.

Iranian lawmaker Ali Nikzad said that in the course of the conflict, the United States has “learned that the victorious side is determined by the will of nations and superiority on the battlefield, not by rhetoric on social media.”

He added, “In the coming days, they will also learn that diplomacy is an arena of respect, interaction and acceptance of realities, not dictating wishes.”

Another Iranian lawmaker, Mahmoud Nabavian, who was part of the negotiating team in Pakistan, stated that global leaders should recognize that “the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened.”

He added: “The world will experience a new form of management in the Strait of Hormuz.”