Iran has categorically rejected Donald Trump's demands to open the Strait of Hormuz after the US president crudely threatened to escalate strikes. The post on the X naval force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says: “The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its former state, especially for America and Israel. The IRGC Navy is completing operational preparations for the #Announced_Plan of Iranian officials for a new order in the Persian Gulf.” Sky News reports.
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According to local media reports, the statement appears to be related to a plan approved by Iran's parliament to levy fees on some vessels, as well as ban American and Israeli ships from passing through the strait. Lloyd's List Intelligence said Iran was using what it called a “toll point” regime, adding that some shipping companies had already made payments.
Analysts have also suggested that Iran is unlikely to open the strait anytime soon, as it is the only real lever of influence it has over the US.
Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, a conflict prevention organization , told Reuters that Iran understands that the strangling effect on the strait is “far more powerful than even nuclear weapons.”
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“In an attempt to prevent Iran from developing weapons of mass destruction, the US has transferred weapons of mass destruction to Iran,” he added.
Experts told Reuters that any military operation to restore the waterway that separates Iran and Oman carries significant risks.
It was previously reported that the Trump team did not agree on a ceasefire with Iran.
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