Iran has declared it is fully prepared for war as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz rise, following Washington’s rejection of a seven‑day roadmap to end hostilities and reopen the passage. Tehran’s statement comes as the United States continues to pressure Iran to allow unrestricted shipping through the strait, a route that carries roughly a fifth of the world’s oil.

According to Al Jazeera, Iranian officials said the country is ready to act should the situation deteriorate further. The announcement was made during a press briefing in Tehran, where a senior spokesperson confirmed the stance without specifying the triggers that might prompt a military response.

"Iran says it’s fully prepared for war."

The roadmap in question, proposed last month, would have required the United States and Iran to negotiate a cease‑fire over seven days, with the United Nations facilitating talks and a joint monitoring team overseeing the reopening of the strait. Washington, however, rejected the plan, citing concerns that it did not adequately address security guarantees for the United Nations and other regional actors.

DW News reports that Iranian officials were aware of Washington’s comments on the proposal but had not received a formal message rejecting the plan. The officials added that the lack of a written rejection was a point of frustration, but did not indicate any change in Tehran’s policy toward the strait.

Historically, the Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint. In 2022, Iran threatened to close the channel in response to sanctions, prompting a brief pause in shipping that sent oil prices to their highest levels in the decade. The United States has maintained a naval presence in the Gulf of Oman since 2015 to deter any unilateral closure of the strait.

Iranian naval vessels patrolling Strait of Hormuz

In recent weeks, Iranian patrol boats have increased their presence near the strait’s entrance, conducting manoeuvres that analysts say are designed to signal deterrence. The United States has responded with statements emphasising its commitment to protecting international shipping lanes and maintaining freedom of navigation.

Oil market analysts note that even a brief disruption in the strait could push crude prices higher by several percentage points, given the corridor’s strategic importance. Shipping companies have already begun diversifying routes, but the potential for a sustained closure remains a significant risk for global trade.

The next steps are unclear. Iranian officials have said they remain open to negotiations, but only under conditions they deem acceptable. Washington, meanwhile, is preparing for a possible escalation while continuing diplomatic outreach to other regional partners.

As the situation unfolds, international observers are watching closely. The United Nations has urged both sides to de‑escalate, but Tehran’s readiness for war signals that further diplomatic solutions will be challenging to secure in the short term.