Sunday 23 / August / 2026
Tehran: Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), Mohsen Rezaei, on Saturday said the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and will not reopen until the United States fulfils its commitments and changes its behaviour amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
In an interview with IRIB, Rezaei said, "The Strait of Hormuz is closed, despite American claims, and will not open until America corrects its behaviour."
"This time, America must first fulfil its obligations," he added.
Rezaei further alleged that Washington had abandoned military options and was relying on economic pressure against Tehran.
"The Americans are completely disappointed with the military attacks and think they can help with military actions through economic blockade," he said.
He claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had assured US President Donald Trump that an economic blockade would force Iran to surrender.
"Netanyahu has promised Trump that if he imposes an economic blockade on Iran for six months or two to three months, he will surrender," Rezaei said.
Rezaei also claimed that the US was dependent on support from its allies, saying, "Trump is alone and needs the help of NATO and its allies."
He said Iran had developed ways to bypass sanctions and continue oil exports.
"Iran, however, has learned over the years to bypass sanctions and sell oil," he said.
Rezaei reiterated that Iran wanted an end to the conflict in West Asia and opposed those seeking war.
"The Islamic Republic of Iran wants an end to the war in West Asia and stands against the warmongers of the world," he said.
"Every home can be an economic war launcher," Rezaei added.
"Iranian youth should enter the economy. Every neighbourhood can be a missile base for economic warfare," he further said.
Rezaei also referred to US economic challenges, claiming that America's debt had increased during Trump's presidency.
"America's debts have increased during Trump's presidency," he said.
He further warned that Iran would defend itself and would not allow the United States to gain access to Iranian territory.
"We will defend Iran wholeheartedly and will not allow the Americans to gain access to Iran," Rezaei said, adding, "I advise the Americans not to add any more forces because we will beat them."
Rezaei also accused Washington of using economic pressure to weaken national unity in Iran, saying the US was attempting to achieve its objectives through sanctions and economic measures.
"The Americans intend to break the unity of the Iranian nation through economic pressure to achieve their goal," he said.
