Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has signalled that Iran intends to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that foreign forces have “no place” in the vital shipping route.
In a written message, Khamenei said Tehran would eliminate what he described as “the enemies’ abuses of the waterway” under new management of the strait.
“Foreigners who come from thousands of kilometres away … have no place there except at the bottom of its waters,” he said.
Iran Threatens ‘Long and Painful Strikes’
The remarks come as a senior official from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any fresh attack by the United States would trigger “long and painful strikes” on American positions across the region.
Aerospace Force Commander Majid Mousavi was quoted by Iranian media as saying U.S. warships could face the same fate as regional bases previously targeted.
Global Economic Risks Mount
Antonio Guterres warned that prolonged disruption in the strait could have severe global consequences, including slower growth, rising inflation and increased poverty.
“The longer this vital artery is choked, the harder it will be to reverse the damage,” he said in New York.
U.S. Faces War Powers Deadline
Meanwhile, Donald Trump faces a congressional deadline under the War Powers Resolution to end or justify continued military action.
A senior administration official said the April ceasefire between Washington and Tehran meant hostilities had effectively “terminated” for legal purposes, suggesting the deadline may pass without altering the course of the conflict.
Standoff Persists Despite Economic Strain
Despite mounting pressure, analysts say Iran appears prepared for a prolonged standoff in the Gulf, even as U.S. measures have cut off much of its energy exports.
While the conflict has deepened Iran’s economic challenges, Tehran has so far shown little sign of backing down, raising the risk of a sustained geopolitical confrontation centred on one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
(with inputs from Reuters)
