Iran has warned the US Navy against entering the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from the unified command of Iran’s armed forces reported by state media, after the US announced it would start an effort on Monday to free ships stranded in the waterway, according to Reuters.

“We have repeatedly said the security of the Strait of Hormuz is in our hands and that the safe passage of vessels needs to be coordinated with the armed forces,” the Iranian statement added.