Iran warns of retaliation over Trump's Strait of Hormuz claims

Tensions between Iran and the United States have escalated following claims by Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has suggested the strategic waterway could become ‘new American territory,’ asserting total control over the maritime passage.

In response, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that Iran would respond forcefully to aggressive actions. Rezaei stated that if neighboring Gulf countries cooperate with the U.S. in an economic war, Iran will strike their interests, adding that ‘not a single drop of oil will leave the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.’

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian characterized the current situation as a ‘large-scale economic, military, and security war,’ acknowledging the severe economic difficulties facing the Iranian population. He emphasized the government's commitment to resisting devastating sanctions.