Iran Threatens US with 'Crushing Blows' Over Hormuz Strait Interference

Iran has issued stern warnings against any U.S. intervention in the Strait of Hormuz, following President Trump's rejection of a proposed week-long ceasefire. Iranian officials stated that "a decisive response has been set for every American step," signaling a hardening of their stance.

Sources close to Iran's negotiation team told the Fars news agency that "Iran will not abandon its interests under pressure and threat." They emphasized that Iran's recent proposal involved a series of mutual, phased steps, clearly outlining its positions and considerations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that "Iran will not back down from its conditions regarding the Strait of Hormuz," adding that the proposed terms were conveyed to the U.S. via mediators. He noted that while the U.S. President had responded, no official communication had yet been received from the mediators, and that contradictory statements from Trump were being observed.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesman for the Iranian Armed Forces, warned that any U.S. attempt to interfere with the Strait of Hormuz would be met with force. "Americans can only dream of interfering in the management of the Strait of Hormuz. They will never be able to interfere in its management," he stated. "If they interfere, they will again face blows from the Revolutionary Guards and the Armed Forces." He further claimed Iran is significantly stronger than in the past, with advanced missiles and drones, and is prepared to deliver "more crushing blows" if attacked.

Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, cautioned against miscalculations by Washington, stating that "a decisive response has been set for every American step, and they will regret it more than before." He asserted that Iran has expanded its defensive capabilities and is capable of responding to any American mistake with a "crushing and destructive response." Azizi also suggested that Iran would expel remaining U.S. forces from the region if its demands are not met, and would "strike hard at the capabilities of the Zionist entity and remove it from the region."

Iranian media outlets have been critical of President Trump, portraying his rejection of Iran's proposal as a sign of instability in the global balance of power rather than American strength. The newspaper Javan suggested a "global shift in America's balance of power," linking the Hormuz dispute to broader U.S.-China competition. Another paper, Mosalas, connected Iran's denial of ongoing negotiations to a rise in oil prices, framing it as a blow to Trump and highlighting the political debate in the U.S. over energy prices.