Strait of Hormuz will not open until US corrects its behaviour: Iran's Mohsen Rezaei
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran stated the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and will not reopen until the U.S. corrects its behavior and fulfills its commitments.
- A senior Iranian official claimed the U.S. has abandoned military options in favor of economic pressure and that Israel's prime minister assured President Trump this strategy would force Iran's surrender.
- Iran asserted it has developed methods to bypass sanctions for oil exports and warned the U.S. against further military escalation, vowing to defend itself.
Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, declared on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and will not reopen until the United States alters its conduct and meets its obligations. Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, stated in an interview that America must first fulfill its commitments.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour.
Rezaei alleged that the U.S. has shifted from military options to economic pressure, believing a blockade could force Iran's capitulation. He claimed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured President Donald Trump that a six-month economic blockade would lead to Iran's surrender. The Iranian official also suggested Trump is isolated and relies on NATO allies for support.
This time, America must first fulfil its obligations.
Despite U.S. sanctions, Iran has found ways to circumvent them and continue oil exports, Rezaei asserted. He emphasized Iran's desire for peace in West Asia and opposition to warmongers. Rezaei also encouraged Iranian youth to engage in economic activities, suggesting each neighborhood could become a base for economic warfare. He pointed to rising U.S. debt under Trump's presidency.
The Americans are completely disappointed with the military attacks and think they can help with military actions through economic blockade.
Rezaei issued a stern warning to the U.S., vowing that Iran would defend itself vigorously and prevent American access to its territory. He advised against sending more forces, predicting defeat for the U.S. He accused Washington of using economic pressure to undermine national unity within Iran.
Netanyahu has promised Trump that if he imposes an economic blockade on Iran for six months or two to three months, he will surrender.
Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.