Tehran, Nov 7:
Iran has asserted that its armed forces are stronger, more resilient, and on higher operational alert than when the conflict erupted in late February, issuing a stern warning of unrestricted retaliatory action against the United States and Israel.
Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia stated that months of direct battlefield engagement with American and Israeli forces have significantly enhanced Tehran’s combat readiness. “Today, the Islamic Republic’s armed forces… having gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and the Israeli regime, are on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war,” Akraminia said. He warned that any future military strikes directed by Iran’s Supreme Leader would be immediate and executed without geographical limitations.
Reiterating authority over the Strait of Hormuzāthe vital chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of global petroleum liquids passesāAkraminia affirmed that maritime restrictions will remain enforced until Washington addresses Tehran’s core demands. The stance threatens prolonged instability across global energy markets, particularly impacting Asian economies reliant on Gulf crude supplies. The warning coincided with reports of explosions on Qeshm Island and claims by Iranian forces of shooting down a US drone, even as Qatari mediation continues between Washington and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to avert further escalation.