Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has said the country is prepared to deliver more bitter defeats to its enemies as tensions increase in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement released on Telegram to mark the anniversary of the Islamic Republic and the birthday of his late father, Ali Khamenei, he praised Iran’s military for standing firm against the United States.
He said the country’s forces had responded strongly despite growing pressure.
He warned that Iran’s navy was ready for further action, saying, “our valiant navy is also ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies.”
The comments come as Iran tightens control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Authorities confirmed the waterway has been closed again and is now under strict military supervision.
According to a statement from Iran’s joint military command, the move followed the United States’ refusal to lift its blockade on Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf.
A military spokesperson said the situation would remain unchanged until Iran is allowed full freedom of movement for its ships.
Iran’s state broadcaster also confirmed that ships can no longer pass freely, stating that access now requires approval from Iranian authorities.
The military explained: “The Islamic Republic of Iran, following previous agreements in negotiations, has agreed in good faith to the managed passage of a limited number of oil tankers and commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”
It added: “Unfortunately, the Americans continue the so-called blockade. For this reason, control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic strait is under the strict management and control of the armed forces.”
The statement further warned: “As long as the United States does not end the complete freedom of passage of vessels from Iran to destination and from destination to Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain under strict control and in its previous state.”
Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had promised not to shut the strait again after briefly reopening it.
“It will no longer be used as a weapon against the World!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.
