Tehran: Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared that the United States suffered a humiliating defeat, while military leaders vowed retaliation against the US if it launched a new wave of attacks against Iran.
According to Thai News Agency, Mojtaba Khamenei said in a written statement marking National Gulf Day that "two months after the largest military mobilization and aggression by the region's oppressive powers, including the humiliating defeat of the United States, a new chapter is opening for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz." He emphasized Iran's control of shipping lanes in the strait and its commitment to maintaining security in the Gulf region to end what he described as "enemy violations" in this crucial shipping lane. The Iranian Supreme Leader also highlighted that the new management of the Strait of Hormuz would bring peace, progress, and economic benefits to all Gulf nations.
Iran has pledged to continue blocking traffic through the strait as long as it feels threatened, which may lead to further disruptions in oil supplies from the Middle East. This blockade has resulted in approximately 20 percent of global oil and gas exports being halted, causing a spike in global energy prices and raising concerns about a potential recession. Oil prices reached a four-year high on Thursday, with Brent crude surging over 7 percent to above $126 per barrel before slightly declining and closing at $111.70 per barrel in London trading.
Senior officials of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have warned of prolonged and painful retaliation against U.S. bases and installations if new U.S. military attacks occur. They reiterated Iran's commitment to maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz until the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian oil exports. Currently, the U.S. is blocking Iranian ports while Iran obstructs shipping through the strait.
President Donald Trump was briefed on military options by the Department of Defense to pressure Iran back into negotiations regarding its nuclear program. Reports suggest Trump instructed oil company executives and national security officials to prepare for a potentially prolonged U.S. blockade with the aim of forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced via social media that it achieved a significant milestone by diverting the 42nd commercial ship attempting to breach the blockade, noting that 41 oil tankers carrying 69 million barrels of oil, valued at over $6 billion, are prohibited from being sold by Iran.
Despite these developments, the Trump administration has not indicated any plans to resume military operations against Iran, and it remains uncertain whether Trump will continue conflict with Iran after the expiration of the 60-day grace period imposed by U.S. law, which limits the president's power to wage war.
In response to the escalating regional situation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs has banned its citizens from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq, advising those residing in these countries to return immediately.