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Iran Demands Strait of Hormuz Closure, US Withdrawal; Trump Claims 'Decimation' of Iran
Iran Demands Strait of Hormuz Closure Amid US Tensions
Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian official and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed and warned that American warships would not be permitted to enter Persian Gulf waters. He accused the United States of being the primary driver of instability in the region for the past 50 years, stating that regional stability can only be achieved if the US withdraws its military presence and regional countries take control of the key waterway. Rezaei added that Iran would consider ending its retaliatory operations only if it receives full reparations for damage caused by what he described as 'terrorist US-Israeli strikes' and firm guarantees about future regional security, alongside a complete US withdrawal from the Gulf. He claimed that Iran has emerged stronger politically, economically, and militarily during the confrontation, shattering what he called the 'myth of American invincibility'.
Trump Asserts US Dominance, Urges Strait of Hormuz Protection
US President Donald Trump asserted that the United States has 'beaten and completely decimated' Iran both militarily and economically. He referenced recent moves by Washington to release approximately 170 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves to stabilize global energy prices, downplaying any temporary relief. Trump called on global allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that nations reliant on oil shipments through the strait must act to protect this vital waterway, with promises of US coordination. He framed this effort as a path toward global harmony, security, and everlasting peace. Trump also issued a stern warning: if Iran or anyone else interferes with the free and safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, the US would 'immediately reconsider' its decision to avoid striking Iran's oil infrastructure for 'reasons of decency'. He reiterated Washington's long-standing position that Iran will 'NEVER have a nuclear weapon' and declared that Iran's military has been decimated, with the country in 'bad shape' and collapsing.
*Source: YouTube: Times of India (2026-03-15)*
