U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Iran, asserting that key Iranian leaders have been killed and claiming that the current Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has 'disappeared by 90%.' These remarks were made during an interview with Fox News.
Trump stated that Iran has lost most of its military capabilities, saying, 'They no longer have a navy or air force, their air defenses are dismantled, and their top leaders are dead.'
The U.S. President also announced the reinstatement of sanctions on Iran, revealing a plan to make the United States the 'protector of the Strait of Hormuz.' He explained that Washington intends to impose a 20% levy on shipments through the strait for their protection, with implementation starting immediately.
Trump added that the Strait of Hormuz 'will remain open with or without Iran,' accusing Tehran of reneging on previous agreements with the United States.
In response, Iran rejected these statements, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard affirming that Tehran will not allow any U.S. intervention in managing the Strait of Hormuz, vowing to counter any attempt to pass through the strait outside Iran's regulations.
These comments come amid escalating military tensions between Washington and Tehran and increasing stress around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's critical maritime energy routes, as disputes continue over freedom of navigation and the management of the waterway.