Iran Threatens to Close Strait of Hormuz After US Attacks, Escalates Tensions

Iran has sharply escalated its threats against the United States following recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian official declared that the memorandum of understanding between the two sides is "dead" and warned that any further US military action would prompt Iran to completely close the strategic Strait of Hormuz. According to PressTV, Iran vowed to target enemy sites at least twice as extensively as before if attacked again. The official emphasized that Iran will not retreat from controlling the strait and that its new strategy mandates full closure of the waterway after each attack. Iran also rejected the establishment of alternative shipping routes outside the Islamabad agreement framework and stated it sees no distinction between the US and its regional partners. The official predicted that US President Donald Trump will lose control over the strait and final negotiations due to his recent threats.

In response, President Trump intensified his rhetoric, suggesting the US might launch another strike imminently. He acknowledged that such actions could temporarily raise oil prices but expected them to fall afterward. Trump also referenced the US’s unique capability to access Iran’s deeply buried nuclear materials, claiming exclusive equipment unavailable to other nations.

Meanwhile, Israeli leadership is closely monitoring the situation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz canceled their participation in a National Security College graduation ceremony to hold a security discussion. Officially centered on the US memorandum of understanding, the meeting is also expected to address recent developments with Iran and prepare for potential regional escalation.