Iran Says It Will Stop US From Reopening Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian army has promised to stop the US from reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force. They say their forces will guard 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 that "respecting the rights of the Iranian people is the only way to open the Strait." Akraminia also mentioned, "We are obligated to avenge the blood of the martyrs, especially the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution."

The Strait of Hormuz is central to the US conflict with Iran. About 20 percent of the world’s oil moves through this route. When it was closed during the conflict, global oil prices jumped by 50 percent.

Iran and the US had made a deal to reopen the Strait. They agreed on a 60-day period for ships to pass freely while they worked on a final agreement. But both sides have accused each other of breaking the deal.

Iran announced the closure of the waterway on Saturday, calling it an unauthorised transit. The next day, they said the closure would continue. Permits for passage would be given once there was "stability and calm."

Akraminia’s remarks came after the US launched attacks on Iran overnight. US missiles and drones hit several cities in Iran, including Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, Abu Musa, and Bandar. His comments also respond to President Donald Trump’s threat to take control of the Strait and have the US manage it as its "guardian."

"We are taking over the Strait. They have nothing. They’ve got nothing," Trump said on Monday.

The overnight strikes were the third consecutive night of US attacks. The strikes hit a large area, including an Iranian port, with videos showing fire and smoke in the cities.

In response, Iran launched new attacks targeting Gulf states like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Al Jazeera reported that Jordan’s air defense shot down four missiles fired from Iran overnight.

Meanwhile, the US blockade on Iran is set to start again later today. Trump said the US military would be "stopping Iran’s ships or customers from entering or leaving" the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the closure by Iran, Trump stated, "Hormuz Strait is open, and will remain open, with or without Iran."

Trump also announced a 20 percent cargo fee on all other vessels, claiming the US deserves to be paid for securing this crucial waterway. "The U.S.A. will be reimbursed, at the rate of 20 percent on all cargo shipped, for any costs to do the job of providing safety and security to this very volatile section of the World," he said.