The U.S. is vowing to remain in the Persian Gulf following an Iranian threat to take military action if a U.S. aircraft carrier returns. Last week, Iran threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key Gulf passageway, over newly enacted U.S. sanctions and filmed a U.S. aircraft carrier leaving the Gulf during Iranian naval exercises. On Tuesday, the head of Iran’s military, Major General Ataollah Salehi, said Iran would respond if the aircraft carrier returns.

Major General Ataollah Salehi: “I think the enemy has got the message. As you saw, once our naval drills began, the enemy’s aircraft carrier left the Strait of Hormuz for the Sea of Oman. We repeat that we do not intend to take any irrational action. But we are ready to counter any threat. We have warned the aircraft carrier, which posed a threat to us, against returning to the Persian Gulf. And we are not going to repeat the warning.”

The White House and Pentagon have dismissed Iran’s claims. In Washington, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Iran is highlighting its own international isolation.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: “I think it reflects the fact that Iran is in a position of weakness. It’s the latest round of Iranian threats, and it’s confirmation that Tehran is under increasing pressure for its continued failures to live up to its international obligations. Iran is isolated and is seeking to divert attention from its behavior and domestic problems. This is simply a measure of the impact that sanctions have been having on Iran and the broad international support for taking—putting pressure on Iran and isolating Iran because of its refusal to live up to its international obligations.”