Iranian authorities have issued fresh warnings over the Strait of Hormuz saying the global economy, energy market and American voters will suffer the consequences if the US maintains its blockade.
Iranian state media IRNA published the official statement signed by the Supreme National Security Secretary and former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr.
“Continuation of American maritime blockade and incitement of conflict will lead to a tighter lockdown of the Strait of Hormuz and will lead to closure of other straits and chokepoints,” the statement said.
“And the global economy, the energy market, and American voters will pay the price.”
‘All they do is make me angry’
The statement comes after US President Donald Trump warned of further strikes and said he was “losing faith” in talks with Iran.
He said Iran had been “decimated” but acknowledged it maintained “some capability”.
“Doesn’t mean they have no capability, they have some, but very little,” Mr Trump said.
Responding to media questions about whether the remaining capability meant the exchange of attacks would continue, Mr Trump said: “They’ll get weaker. They’ll get a little stronger maybe now, but they’ll get weaker. And then they’ll peter out. It would be foolish to say no.”
The 14-point memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran was signed mid-June with the promise of an interim ceasefire and opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the ceasefire did not last long and hostilities in the middle east began with Mr Trump eventually declaring the ceasefire over on July 8.
The conflict has intensified between the two nations, dragging more countries into the war.
In a serious escalation, Egypt became the target of a drone attack that sparked fire at its gas hub and damaged two ships.
Iranian strikes hit a building in Kuwait killing one person, while Jordan intercepted Iranian missiles.
Despite these widespread hostilities, Pakistani mediators continue their efforts to bring all parties back to talks to de-escalate tensions and secure a permanent resolution.
