FLASH
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Iran has categorically rejected Donald Trump's demands to open the Strait of Hormuz, after the US president issued a harshly worded threat to escalate attacks.
"The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its previous state, especially for America and Israel. The IRGC Navy is in the process of completing operational preparations for the Iranian officials' announced plan for the new order in the Persian Gulf," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy said in a post on X.
The statement appears to refer to a plan approved by Iran's parliament to impound several ships, along with banning American and Israeli ships, from passing through the strait, according to local media reports.
Lloyd's List Intelligence said Iran was already operating what it called a 'toll booth' regime, adding that some shipping firms had already made payments in the Chinese currency.
Analysts have also suggested that Iran is unlikely to open the strait anytime soon because it is the only real leverage it has over the US.
Iran has 'weapons for massive trouble'
Ali Vaez, director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, a conflict prevention organization, told Reuters that Iran understands that a blockade of the strait "is much more powerful than even a nuclear weapon."
"In an effort to prevent Iran from developing a weapon of mass destruction, the US gave Iran a weapon of mass destruction," he added.
Experts have told Reuters that any military operation to reopen the waterway, which separates Iran and Oman, involves significant risks.
The strait is 21 miles (33 km) wide at its narrowest point, but the shipping lane itself is only 2 miles (3 km) wide for ships traveling in either direction, making ships and troops easy targets.
Trump's threat
US President Donald Trump published a post with harsh and threatening language on the Truth Social platform, calling on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In his message, Trump warned of severe consequences if Iran does not open the strait, including references to targeting civilian infrastructure.
The post contained offensive language and strong threatening tones, escalating the rhetoric towards Tehran.
"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day and Bridge Day, all rolled into one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Damn Strait, you crazy bastards, or you will live in Hell, JUST LOOK! Thank God. President DONALD J. TRUMP," Trump wrote.
This reaction comes on the eve of a self-imposed deadline by Trump, who demands that Iran reopen the sea crossing by Monday.
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