Hormuz shipping in focus as Iran-US rhetoric heats up | US-Israel war on Iran News
Tehran, Iran — Iran and the United States are exchanging conflicting accounts regarding the safety of vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions and mediatory communications.
On Saturday, Iranian state media published comments from Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since being appointed as the new supreme leader in March. He addressed the nation, vowing to seek retribution for the deaths of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and others amid the recent U.S.-Israeli military actions. “We pledge to avenge your pure blood… This revenge is the demand of our nation,” he stated.
Mojtaba Khamenei asserted that this commitment to revenge reflects state policy rather than the directive of any single official, emphasizing that individuals worldwide would participate in this effort. His remarks coincided with the large funeral ceremonies for his father, who was killed on February 28 as hostilities between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces erupted.
During the funeral in Mashhad, where Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was interred earlier this month, many attendees voiced opposition to negotiations with the U.S., asserting that such talks represented a betrayal of the nation. Ali Khomeini, a grandson of the Islamic Republic’s founder, labeled anyone seeking peace with the U.S. as a “traitor.”
In response, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he had reason to believe he was a target for Iranian retribution and indicated that he had preparations in place for potential retaliatory actions. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated, “A thousand missiles are locked and loaded… Orders have already been given.”
Trump further declared that recent military exchanges negated the previously established ceasefire, while mediated discussions might still proceed. Qatari officials visited Iran on Friday to facilitate dialogue, and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian traveled to Oman for additional discussions.
Analysts suggest that the intense rhetoric from Iran aims to bolster domestic support amidst ongoing negotiations intended to avert a wider conflict. Ali Vaez, director of the Crisis Group’s Iran Project, noted that while Trump’s declarations raise the stakes for diplomacy, both parties likely recognize the need to avoid an escalation in hostilities.
U.S. officials have indicated that Iranian hardliners may be undermining diplomatic efforts by instigating attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports emerged that the Trump administration expects Iranian representatives to acknowledge missteps related to prior maritime assaults. Vaez questioned the plausibility of claims about Iranian messaging to the U.S., suggesting that blaming extremist factions may serve to maintain avenues for dialogue.
As Washington eases pressure, Iranian authorities have expressed intentions to oversee maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz closely. This includes rejecting any U.S.-aligned maneuvers, particularly those crossing near Oman.
Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that outside interference would disrupt maritime agreements and hinder navigation through the pivotal waterway. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that passage through the strait is approaching half of pre-war levels.
However, the International Maritime Organization condemned Iran’s newly established maritime authority over the strait and called for member states not to recognize Iranian claims of sovereignty or jurisdiction over surrounding waters.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed new sanctions in connection with attacks on international shipping in the strait, targeting individuals and entities associated with Mojtaba Khamenei.
Experts, including senior fellow Negar Mortazavi, noted possible internal disputes within Iran regarding military tactics and highlighted a broader disagreement surrounding maritime regulations established by the recent memorandum of understanding. They assert that Iran is likely to maintain pressure while keeping diplomatic channels open, aiming to ensure its interests in the strategic waterway.
