Iranian Official Threatens US Ships in Indian Ocean if New War Erupts

Iran has threatened to target US ships and destroyers, even in the Indian Ocean, should a new military confrontation erupt. This statement came from the Deputy Political Affairs of the Naval Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard, who affirmed that these vessels would not be immune to targeting. The official, in remarks reported by the Iranian "Fars" news agency, questioned the justification for the American military presence in the Strait of Hormuz. Responding to previous statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the strait, he indicated that if Washington considers Hormuz its territory, it should demonstrate the presence of its warships there. The official also called on the United States to send one of its ships to the vicinity of the strait. These remarks reflect the ongoing tension between Tehran and Washington concerning navigation security and control over the strategic waterway. The latest public tracking of the US fleet, dated September 21, reveals the presence of five major American warships directly in the Indian Ocean. These include the destroyers "USS Mustin," "USS McFaul," "USS Milius," and "USS John Finn," in addition to the cruiser "USS Princeton." In contrast, a significantly larger naval force is present in the Arabian Sea, comprising aircraft carriers "USS George Washington" and "USS George H.W. Bush" with their air wings and escort ships, in addition to the amphibious group led by "USS Boxer" and Marine units.