Iran's military chief of staff asserted that "thanks to the IRGC Navy's preparedness and capabilities, the hostile countries are anxious before entering the Strait of Hormuz, as they have obeyed the international [maritime] law over the past year, and if they go beyond the law, they will face the IRGC Navy's counteraction and controlling measures". "The enemies", he added, "should realise that the Persian Gulf is not a proper place for war and clashes".