US Writhes, But Hormuz Survives—in Iranian Hands

A $60B Vote of Confidence

Iran's recent military actions in the Persian Gulf are a significant escalation of its strategy to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has announced that it will disable any oil tankers that attempt to navigate through unauthorized shipping routes, effectively giving Iran full control over navigation in the strategic waterway. This move is a direct response to the US military campaign against Iran, which has been ongoing since 2019. The IRGC has also announced that it will expand its maritime enforcement, including the use of drones and missile strikes, to target US military facilities in the region. The Iranian Army has also struck key facilities at Ahmad Al Jaber Air Base in Kuwait, stating that the strike was retaliation for recent US attacks inside Iran. The top commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Major General Ali Abdollahi, stated that the Americans and their mercenaries have realized that their coffins are part of their equipment in the region. The senior commander recalled the words of the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, describing him as 'that elder, mentor and martyred Leader,' who had declared that the age of striking without consequence and fleeing has ended. The IRGC has also announced another operation under Operation Nasr-2, saying its Aerospace Force destroyed two drone shelters and a fuel depot at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The IRGC described the attack as part of a sustained effort to raise the military cost of Washington's regional presence while warning countries assisting US operations that they could face consequences if they continue their support. Iran also sought to reinforce its battlefield narrative by releasing 'photographic evidence' showing damage to a maintenance hangar at Al Azraq Air Base in Jordan. The images were presented as a direct rebuttal to US Central Command's claims that previous Iranian missile strikes caused no damage to American facilities. The military escalation coincided with renewed condemnation from senior Iranian officials over recent US strikes on civilian areas. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf accused Washington of attempting to compensate for battlefield setbacks by targeting civilians, warning that the United States 'will pay the price' for missile attacks on residential areas in southern Iran. His remarks followed American strikes on Qeshm Island as well as parts of Bushehr, Khuzestan and Fars provinces. According to Iranian authorities, the deadliest attack struck a residential house in Qeshm's Chah Tangu neighborhood, killing three members of a family—including a two-year-old child—and injuring two other children. Officials said additional strikes targeted areas near Choghadak in Bushehr Province and locations in Kazeroun and Farashband in Fars Province, including a sports hall. The casualties prompted a sharp reaction from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, who condemned the US strike on residential homes in Qeshm Island as a 'criminal attack' that wiped out an entire civilian family and accused Washington of targeting the Iranian people. In a statement issued on Friday, Baqaei said the attack destroyed several homes and killed a taxi driver, his wife and their two-year-old child, describing the strike as a tragedy that 'would break the heart of every person of conscience.' He said the attack was part of 'a pattern of crimes reminiscent of the atrocities committed by ISIS, arguing that such actions were being carried out under the banner of 'peace through strength' to punish the Iranian nation for insisting on its legitimate rights, dignity and independence. 'These crimes will never confer power, authority or legitimacy on those who perpetrate them,' Baqaei said. He added that every explosion, every act of violence, every crime committed by the United States will only serve to strengthen the Iranian people's resolve to resist and defend their country. The Iranian people will not be intimidated or deterred by the United States' aggressive actions, and they will continue to stand strong in the face of US aggression. The recent military actions in the Persian Gulf are a clear indication of Iran's determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to defend its people against any form of aggression or violence. The Iranian government has consistently stated that it will not engage in any form of aggression or violence, and that it will only respond to any aggression or violence with force. The recent military actions in the Persian Gulf are a clear example of this policy, and demonstrate Iran's commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Iranian government has also stated that it will continue to work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict with the United States, and that it will engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue peacefully. However, the recent military actions in the Persian Gulf demonstrate that Iran is willing to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to protect its people against any form of aggression or violence.