Iran threatens to close Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions

Iran has issued a stark warning, threatening to completely close the Strait of Hormuz if the United States escalates its actions with further attacks. This declaration comes amid heightened tensions, reaching their highest levels in weeks, following a significant overnight exchange of hostilities.

The escalation involved U.S. strikes targeting over 80 locations within Iran. Concurrently, Iran launched attacks against military facilities linked to the United States in Kuwait and Bahrain. Iran's state-run English-language channel, Press TV, citing an informed security source, reported that Tehran is prepared to fight to maintain control over the strategic waterway, through which a substantial portion of global energy supplies passes.

U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, declared that any potential ceasefire agreement was over. "I don't want to deal with them anymore, they are scum," Trump stated, adding that Iran is led by "sick" and "violent" people who would use nuclear weapons if they possessed them. Despite this strong rhetoric, Trump indicated that U.S. negotiators could continue talks if they wished. He also threatened the Iranian leadership with another significant military strike, suggesting U.S. forces would likely hit them "much harder tonight."

Trump attributed the recent escalation to Iran's attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. president's comments came as Iran vowed to close the vital waterway, a move that would severely disrupt global energy markets and international shipping.