Strait of Hormuz

Iran supreme leader’s adviser threatens to sink US ships in Strait of Hormuz

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Iranian military personnel take part in an exercise titled “Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz”, launched by the Naval Forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is being carried out in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz on February 16, 2026. [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Anadolu Agency]

A military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has warned that Iranian forces would sink US ships in the Strait of Hormuz if Washington acts as a “policeman” in the strategic waterway.

The warning was made on Wednesday amid ongoing tensions in the region, where the United States has imposed a military blockade on Iranian ports after Iran disrupted maritime navigation in the strait during more than six weeks of fighting, now paused under a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Mohsen Rezaei, a former commander-in-chief of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards who was appointed as a military adviser by Khamenei last month, criticised the US President in remarks broadcast on state television, according to AFP, saying: “Mr Trump wants to become the police of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this really your job? Is this the job of a powerful army like the US?” 

READ: 26 million Iranians volunteer to defend country, including public figures

Speaking in military uniform, he added: “These ships of yours will be sunk by our first missiles and have created a great danger for the US military. They can definitely be exposed to our missiles and we can destroy them.”     

Rezaei, long considered a hardliner even within the Revolutionary Guard, also said that it would be “great” if the US launched a ground invasion of Iran, as “we would take thousands of hostages and then for each hostage we would get a billion dollars,” according to AFP.

He added: “I am not in favour of extending the ceasefire at all, and this is a personal view,” without giving further details.

Rezaei is a veteran figure in Iran’s political and military establishment and led the Revolutionary Guard between 1981 and 1997.

OPINION: The naval blockade of Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz: Long-term implications for global energy security

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Continue ReadingIran supreme leader’s adviser threatens to sink US ships in Strait of Hormuz

Italy suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni gives a speech in Rome, Italy, on March 11, 2026. [Riccardo De Luca – Anadolu Agency]

Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defense agreement with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday, Anadolu reports.

“In light of the current situation, the government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of the defense agreement with Israel,” ANSA news agency reported citing Meloni’s talk with reporters in the northeastern city of Verona.

She further said international efforts should continue to advance peace negotiations in order to stabilize the situation in Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Meloni also urged caution on the issue of Russian gas.

The defense agreement, whose renewal the government decided to suspend, has been in force since 2016.

Intending to enhance defense capabilities, the agreement focuses on cooperation across several sectors, ranging from defense industries to procurement policies, with responsibility for the defense ministries.

It includes the import, export, and transit of weapons, the organization of armed forces, the training and education of military personnel, and the exchange of knowledge and technical data.

READ: Spanish premier slams Israel for violating international law

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingItaly suspends automatic renewal of defense agreement with Israel

Turkish top diplomat says Netanyahu seeking to designate Turkey as a new enemy

Spread the love

This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during his visit to Anadolu’s Editorial Desk at the agency’s headquarters in Ankara, Turkiye on April 13, 2026. [Utku Uçrak – Anadolu Agency]

Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan said Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to designate Turkey as a new enemy, amid rising regional tensions.

Speaking during a meeting with editors at the Anadolu Agency headquarters, Fidan stated that Israel “cannot live without an enemy after Iran,” in reference to ongoing geopolitical developments.

The Turkish minister’s statements come amid ongoing Israeli attacks on Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, following Ankara’s announcement of an indictment against 35 Israelis — including Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges including genocide — suspected of targeting the Global Flotilla as it attempted to break the blockade of the Gaza Strip.

In his remarks, Fidan said that his country believes it is inappropriate for countries to intervene to open the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the movement of people through the Strait of Hormuz should not be obstructed and that no country should pay fees for passage.

READ: Algerian president, Pope Leo XIV call for justice for Palestinians

The Turkish Foreign Minister stressed the necessity of establishing a security alliance in the region to bolster trust among its countries.

Iran had announced its intention to impose fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, while US President Donald Trump declared that his country would impose a blockade on Iranian ports starting today.

Commenting on the escalation in the region, Fidan stated that what Lebanon is witnessing is part of Israel’s expansionist policies, warning that the crisis there could escalate into a regional conflict.

He noted that following the announcement of a two-week truce between the United States and Iran, it was understood that the agreement included Lebanon, adding: “Netanyahu sabotaged it as usual, and America remained silent about it.”

READ: Turkey urges global response to ‘Israel’s potential acts of sabotage’ amid ceasefire in Mideast

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it's fun to kill everyone ...
Donald Trump sings and dances, says that it’s fun to kill everyone …
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingTurkish top diplomat says Netanyahu seeking to designate Turkey as a new enemy

Tehran threatens all Gulf ports in retaliation to US blockade

Spread the love

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/tehran-threatens-all-gulf-ports-retaliation-us-blockade

 Women walk past a banner depicting the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the U.S. and Israel strikes on Feb. 28, in northern Tehran, Iran, April 12, 2026

TEHRAN threatened all ports in the Gulf today in retaliation for the US military blockade on Iran’s ports as negotiation talks failed.

…

The US’s restrictions, which include “the entirety of the Iranian coastline, including ports and energy infrastructure,” were expected to begin today.

It was not immediately clear if they had kicked off.

The US military’s Central Command announced that the blockade would be enforced “against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.”

It said that it would include all of Iran’s ports on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

…

Iran issued threats of its own, broadcasting today: “Security in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman is either for everyone or for no-one.

“No port in the region will be safe.”

…

Original article at https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/tehran-threatens-all-gulf-ports-retaliation-us-blockade

Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel's criminal war for Israel's genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said "I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is participating defensively in Trump and Israel’s criminal war for Israel’s genocidal expansion in Iran and states that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he's heard that she's a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.
Donald Trump warns against following the Onaquietday.org blog, says that he’s heard that she’s a which with a black cat and a dangerous kitchen.

Continue ReadingTehran threatens all Gulf ports in retaliation to US blockade

Strait of Hormuz ‘Is Open For Us,’ Says China’s Defense Minister as US Blockade Begins

Spread the love

Original article by Brad Reed republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun attends a luncheon in Kuala Lumpur on October 31, 2025. (Photo by Hasnoor Hussain/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

“We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honor them and expect others not to meddle in our affairs.”

Although President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to enforce a blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun warned on Monday against any effort to obstruct Chinese vessels.

As reported by Business Today, the Chinese defense minister emphasized that his country and Iran have reached an arrangement allowing the safe transportation of Chinese ships through the strait, and he said the US should not subject them to its blockade.

RECOMMENDED…

A ship is seen in the Persian Gulf

As US Blockades Strait of Hormuz, Iran Military Warns of Weapons ‘Enemy Has No Idea About’

A man looks at the front page of the Jam Jam newspaper

‘Makes No Sense’: NATO Allies Bash Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Blockade as Oil Rises Above $100 a Barrel

“Our ships are moving in and out of the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” the defense minister said. “We have trade and energy agreements with Iran. We will respect and honor them and expect others not to meddle in our affairs. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, and it is open for us.”

Trump announced a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, saying the US would not allow any ships that had cut deals with Iran for safe passage to be let through.

The blockade announcement came after US negotiators, led by Vice President JD Vance, failed to reach a peace agreement with their Iranian counterparts to bring an end to the conflict, which Trump launched illegally without any congressional approval six weeks ago.

The failure to reach a peace deal sent the price of oil upward yet again, as the price of Brent crude oil futures and WTI crude oil futures approached $100 per barrel.

Original article by Brad Reed republished from Common Dreams under Creative Commons (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Climate science denier Donald Trump confirms that he knows nothing about democracy and that more liquid gold is being secured according to his policy of global privateering.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Straight of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Continue ReadingStrait of Hormuz ‘Is Open For Us,’ Says China’s Defense Minister as US Blockade Begins