The Iranian army has promised to stop the US from reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force. They said their forces will not back down from protecting this important waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz will never be opened by war, evil, and American aggression,” said Mohammad Akraminia, the army’s spokesperson.
He added, “Respecting the rights of the Iranian people is the only way to open the Strait.”
Akraminia also stated, “We are obligated to avenge the blood of the martyrs, especially the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution.”
Conflict Over the Waterway
The Strait of Hormuz is crucial in the US-Iran conflict. About 20 percent of the world’s oil moves through this strait. Its closure during the conflict caused global oil prices to rise by 50 percent.
Iran and the US had a Memorandum of Understanding to reopen the Strait. This agreement allowed free passage of ships for 60 days while a final deal was worked out.
But both sides have accused each other of breaking the agreement several times.
On Saturday morning, Iran announced it was closing the waterway due to what they called unauthorized transit. The next day, they said the closure would remain until “stability and calm” return.
US Attacks and Responses
Akraminia’s comments came right after the US attacked Iran again overnight. US missiles and drones hit several cities in Iran, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar. This was a response to President Donald Trump’s claim that the US would take control of the Strait and manage it as their “guardian.”
“We are taking over the Strait. They have nothing. They’ve got nothing,” Trump said on Monday.
This attack was the third night in a row that the US targeted Iran. The strikes affected many areas, including an Iranian port, with reports showing fire and smoke rising from various cities.
In retaliation, Iran launched new attacks towards Gulf states like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Al Jazeera reported that Jordan's air defense systems shot down four missiles fired from Iran overnight.
US Blockade Resumes
Meanwhile, the US blockade on Iran is set to restart later today. Trump stated that the US military would be “stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving” the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite Iran’s closure of the waterway, Trump declared, “Hormuz Strait is open, and will remain open, with or without Iran.”
Additionally, Trump announced the US will impose a 20 percent cargo charge on all other vessels. He argued that the US deserves reimbursement for managing this crucial waterway.
“The U.S.A… will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20 percent on all cargo shipped, for any costs all to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World,” he said.
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