Iran Naval forces have orders to target US vessels if harassed: IRGC chief cmdr

TEHRAN (Agencies): The chief commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has downplayed a recent US’ anti-Iran rhetoric, warning that the Islamic Republic will target American vessels if they were to threaten the safety of the country’s vessels or warships.

Major General Hossein Salami made the comment in response to a threat by US President Trump that American forces in the Persian Gulf have been directed to shoot Iranian boats “out of the water.”

“We declare to them that we are absolutely determined and serious in defending our national security, water borders and maritime interests, and that any move [against us] will be effectively and swiftly met with a decisive, effective response,” Salami said on Thursday.

He said that Iran has ordered its naval units “to target any flotilla or military unit of the US Navy’s terrorist forces if they were to put at risk the safety of our vessels or warships.”

Stressing that Iran is determined to employ all its capabilities and potential to safeguard the vital interests of the Iranian people, the top IRGC commander said, “We resolutely, effectively and confidently stand up against the threats that jeopardize our national security and territorial integrity; this is not a path that we will walk away from and will keep treading it by God’s grace.”

His remarks came after Trump tweeted on Wednesday that he had told the US Navy to “shoot down and destroy” Iranian gunboats that “harass” US ships, without citing a specific event in his tweet or providing details.

He said later in the day that US Navy ships would shoot “out of the water” Iranian gunboats that get too close.