Iran’s army says Strait of Hormuz will stay shut until US meets Tehran’s conditions

Iran’s army says it controls the Strait of Hormuz and will keep it closed until the United States accepts Tehran’s conditions. Spokesperson Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia made the remarks on Friday evening at a ceremony in Pishva County, Tehran Province, IRNA reported, as mediators try to prevent renewed fighting.

Will Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran’s army says the strait will stay closed until Washington accepts its conditions. Akraminia did not set out what those conditions are in the remarks reported. Mediators are working to prevent a resumption of fighting after months of deadlock in the conflict.

Akraminia spoke at an event honoring commanders and pilots killed in the uprising of June 5, 1963. He said the army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Law Enforcement Command were better prepared after their direct confrontation with the United States and Israel.

He added that public support had lifted military morale and pointed to 251 nights of solidarity gatherings as a factor in national unity.

What has Iran warned about renewed US aggression?

Akraminia warned that any renewed US aggression would draw an immediate response. He said American bases and interests in the Persian Gulf and beyond West Asia were within range of Iranian drones and missiles. Iranian forces would follow the orders of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, to respond swiftly, effectively and without geographic limits.

Citing US officials, Akraminia put Washington’s direct war costs at more than $48 billion. He said indirect losses could last for years. He also cited Republican election setbacks and protests in European countries.

Why does the Strait of Hormuz matter to global oil?

Before the war, about 130 ships crossed the strait each day, according to Akraminia. He said they carried 20 percent of global oil, along with jet fuel and chemical fertilizers. The waterway normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

The conflict began in late February, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Tehran has sought to limit traffic through the strait.