Iran's Hardliners Call for More Attacks to Break US Maritime Blockade as Tehran Says 6 Ships Violated Hormuz Route

TEHRAN, July 27:  Iran's hardline Kayhan newspaper on Monday called on Tehran to intensify military operations and break what it described as a U.S.-imposed maritime blockade, while Iranian state television reported that authorities turned back five of six vessels attempting to use an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz.

In an editorial, Kayhan warned against renewed diplomatic engagement with Washington, saying that "trusting the deception of negotiations again would be a fatal mistake."

"Now is not the time to halt military action, but to consolidate the new order by continuing forceful attacks and breaking the maritime blockade," the newspaper wrote.

The publication claimed U.S. forces had become overstretched in the Persian Gulf and required a pause in hostilities to rebuild their military capabilities.

It also argued that no location in the Persian Gulf used by Iran's adversaries or their supporters should be regarded as safe until Iranian oil exports were fully secured.

Separately, Iran's state broadcaster reported that six ships attempted to transit the southern Strait of Hormuz using what authorities described as an unauthorized shipping route.

According to the report, five of the vessels were turned back after allegedly switching off their navigation systems, while the sixth vessel experienced an unspecified incident.

Citing an unnamed informed official, state television said commercial vessels are required to use Iran's designated shipping corridor through the strategic waterway, adding that alternative routes remain hazardous.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit chokepoints, has remained under heightened military and commercial scrutiny amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. The latest statements underscore Tehran's continued hardline rhetoric even as broader regional diplomatic efforts continue.