Iran: Hormuz Strait Won't Reopen Until Trump, Netanyahu Are Removed - Tempo.co English

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are removed from power, a political adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader said Thursday, September 17, as reported by WANA News Agency.

Mohammad-Bagher Zolghadr made the statement in a message marking what he described as 200 consecutive days of public resistance in Iran. He said the country's stance over the strategic waterway was part of its response to those responsible for the conflict.

“Iranian fighters will not open the Strait of Hormuz until the criminal Donald Trump and the butcher Benjamin Netanyahu are removed from power,” Zolghadr said, according to Al Mayadeen, as quoted by The Palestine Chronicle.

He described the continued closure as “the first stage of our people’s revenge,” saying Iran would continue its struggle in defense of the country's existence, identity, independence and aspirations.

Zolghadr also said Iran had resisted an assault that its opponents had expected to defeat the country within days.

“The steadfastness and resilience of the Iranian people represent a nightmare for the enemies who came with the aim of defeating this people within three days,” he said, calling that expectation “a false illusion.”

He said Iran was determined to retaliate against those responsible for deaths during the conflict, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, children in Minab, teenagers in Lamerd, soldiers in Bampur and sailors aboard the Dena warship.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's main routes for oil and gas shipments. Disruptions to shipping through the waterway have put pressure on global energy markets.

Zolghadr's remarks come as the continued disruption of traffic through the strait raises concerns over energy supplies and international shipping.