Iran stated the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control after the US President Donald Trump threatened to declare the vital waterway US territory.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated the blockade would persist until Washington accepts defeat. Moreover, the country’s officials refused Trump's threats, insisting the Hormuz could never be seized via military force or political statements.
The statement follows mounting tensions between both the countries over the strategically important waterway, a major route for global energy shipments.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry blamed the current situation around the strait on US military movements in the region.
The head of Iran’s judiciary also issued strong criticism of Trump, while reaffirming Tehran’s claim over the waterway.
On the other hand the UAE condemned what it described as an Iranian attack on a vessel associated with state oil company ADNOC as it travelled via the Hormuz on Friday.
ADNOC stated no one was injured and that the situation was under control. The UAE Foreign Ministry accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps of targeting commercial shipping and called for the immediate and unconditional reopening of the strait.
The incident came after attacks on two other ADNOC vessels in the waterway on Thursday evening, according to UAE officials.
Elsewhere, tensions have also escalated in southern Lebanon after an Israeli strike on Deir ez-Zahrani in Nabatieh district.
Lebanon’s Civil Defence stated the death toll had significantly increased to four after rescuers recovered additional bodies from the rubble. Five people reportedly sustained some injuries.
The latest developments add to renewed conflict between the countries, with the Strait of Hormuz and southern Lebanon emerging as key flashpoints amid continuing military confrontations and threats.
