WANA (Jul 17) – The senior spokesperson of the Iranian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, has asserted that the era of U.S. hegemony and “rogue behavior” in the region has concluded, urging Washington to accept this new reality.

 

Speaking in a televised interview on Thursday evening, Shekarchi addressed ongoing regional tensions, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s overall defense readiness.

 

Strait of Hormuz Sovereign Rights Belong Only to Iran and Oman

Addressing claims regarding the strategic waterway, Shekarchi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is territorial water belonging strictly to the coastal nations of Iran and Oman.

 

He argued that if anyone is to make decisions regarding this strategic strait, it is these two countries, though other Persian Gulf nations also have a right to transit and express their views.

 

The spokesperson sharply questioned the legitimacy of the American military presence, asking what a country located thousands of miles away is doing in the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf, and the Sea of Oman.

 

He pointed out that while Iran is actively securing these waters for commercial vessels and tankers, the presence of the United States remains the sole source of instability.

 

He insisted that if the Americans leave this region, it will undoubtedly remain safe, and the Strait of Hormuz will never be closed.

People walk past an anti-U.S. billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, May 30, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Threat of Total Regional Retaliation

The spokesperson issued a stark warning to Washington regarding any potential attacks on Iranian soil or key facilities, echoing a previous warning by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

 

He referenced threats made by the U.S. President to target Iranian infrastructure, declaring that such actions would trigger a massive response.

 

“I officially declare that if the Americans target the infrastructure of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the entire region, along with all U.S. bases and installations therein, will become legitimate targets for our response,” Shekarchi warned.

 

He added that in the event of such a confrontation, regional energy security would be entirely disrupted.

 

Under such conditions, either all countries in the region will be able to export oil and navigate safely, or no one will, entirely free of American interference.

 

Shekarchi noted that Iran does not wish to harm the interests of neighboring countries, but is solely opposed to the “piracy” and presence of the United States.

 

He added that a U.S. exit would also leave the “Zionist regime” defenseless, leading to its eventual collapse.

People walk near an anti-Israeli mural in Tehran, Iran, July 13, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

High Military Readiness and Army-IRGC Unity

Shekarchi dismissed U.S. threats as empty rhetoric, stating that Iran’s Armed Forces have moved far beyond a passive defense posture.

 

He stated that Iranian forces are fully prepared for immediate, offensive counter-actions, describing their status as far beyond merely having “hands on the trigger.”

 

This high state of readiness is supported by the unity between the Islamic Republic of Iran Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, alongside law enforcement and the Ministry of Defense.

 

Shekarchi described the Army and IRGC as “two bodies with a single soul” operating under the supreme command of the Leader.

 

He praised the evolution of the Army since the Islamic Revolution, calling it a fully “ideological and Hezbollah” force.

 

He emphasized that Iran’s military doctrine allows it to scale up its defense capabilities even mid-conflict, ensuring it is prepared to fight for years if necessary.

An Iranian woman walks next to an anti-Israeli mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, June 15, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Lessons of the 12-Day War and Past Conflicts

Reflecting on past conflicts, the military spokesperson claimed that the myth of U.S. military invincibility has been shattered in the eyes of the global public.

 

He cited a “12-day war” as a turning point that proved the United States is not the superpower it claims to be, noting that in every phase of that confrontation, it was the Americans who were forced to retreat.

 

Shekarchi warned that if a new war is imposed on Iran, the military response will be far more severe, expansive, and effective than what occurred during the 12-day war or the “Third Imposed War” against American and Israeli forces.

 

He reiterated that while Iran is not warmongering and has never initiated a conflict, its doctrine dictates that any aggression will be met with a powerful offensive counter-strike.

 

The Decline of American Military Hegemony

Shekarchi argued that the United States no longer possesses any secure foothold in the region, as all of its bases are within range of Iranian forces.

 

He claimed that thousands of U.S. soldiers now suffer from severe anxiety and psychological distress upon learning they are being deployed to West Asia.

 

According to the spokesperson, the United States would have destroyed or weakened Iran long ago if it had the capability, but it is powerless to do so.

Mourners gather on the day of a public farewell ceremony to pay their respects to late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed on February 28 in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes, at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, in Tehran, Iran July 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

He attributed Iran’s strength to divine grace and its greatest domestic asset: the Iranian people.

 

He praised the courage and resilience of the population, citing their massive turnout at the funeral of the martyred “Leader of the Revolution” as proof that they will never back down in the face of foreign aggression.

 

Rejecting U.S. Rhetoric and Asserting Iran’s Civilized Standing

Addressing insulting remarks from American officials, Shekarchi stated that such offensive language only reflects on the character of the speakers themselves.

 

He contrasted the “polite, cultured, and civilized” nature of the Iranian nation and its leaders with what he described as the “devilish behaviors” of U.S. politicians.

 

The spokesperson directly addressed the American public, questioning how they could elect leaders who are unable to speak properly, and asked if they felt embarrassed by such representation.

 

While asserting that Iran does not stoop to insulting language, he warned that the nation would eventually “fill the mouths of U.S. officials with dirt” and would never compromise on the blood of its “martyrs”.

 

America is Untrustworthy and Only Understands Power

Shekarchi highlighted the futility of diplomacy with Washington, pointing out that when agreements are signed, the United States has shown it will violate them almost immediately.

People ride motorcycles over Israeli and U.S. flags painted on a street, in Tehran, Iran, May 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

This track record, he argued, proves that the U.S. administration cannot be trusted.

 

Consequently, Shekarchi stated that Iran will only speak to the United States using the “language of power,” a strategy it has already proven in the field.

 

He concluded by advising U.S. officials to abandon their “bullying and rogue behavior,” seek a dignified exit from West Asia, and learn to coexist peacefully.

 

He reiterated that Iran remains the ultimate guarantor of security in the Strait of Hormuz and will not permit any foreign interference in its management.