TEHRAN – Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), has disclosed details of a past naval confrontation with the Israeli regime, without specifying the exact date of the incident.

The IRGC commander revealed that Zionists began targeting Iranian vessels in international waters, but had to stop when Tehran began tit-for-tat moves. He made the statements during a visit to the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters.

"They targeted 14 of our ships to prevent our oil from being exported," Salami said, "We didn't know who was behind it at first because it was done so covertly, but we eventually figured it out: the Zionist regime. We targeted 12 of their ships, and when we had the fifth, they raised their hands (in surrender) and declared the naval confrontation over."

He further explained, "When we struck (captured) the fifth Israeli ship, they raised their hands (in surrender) and agreed to cease the naval confrontation."

Salami also recounted other confrontations with Western powers, stating, "The British seized our ship in Gibraltar, and we seized the Stena Impero ship in exchange, prompting their surrender. They seized two of our ships in Greece, we took two of theirs, and they eventually surrendered." 

He highlighted the IRGC's success in countering extremist threats abroad and safeguarding Iranian oil tankers, noting that American threats failed to materialize after the IRGC simulated an operation to capture a US tanker.

"We succeeded in closing off all the paths the enemy had opened against us, and today the safest shipping routes are those used by Iranian ships," Salami stated. "The Americans threatened to seize two of our oil tankers as they headed to Venezuela. I went out with General Tangsiri and simulated an operation to capture an American tanker, which we announced over the radio. When the Americans saw this, our tankers arrived safely.” 

Salami also praised the IRGC’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine production and the Faithful Assistance Movement, ensuring no family affected by the crisis was left vulnerable.

He concluded by pledging the complete support of the IRGC and Basij for the government, emphasizing their commitment to the administration's success. "Our relationship with governments is founded on 'loyalty and honesty,'" Salami asserted, "and we are prepared to serve as much as our capabilities are utilized."