Iran Forces Stronger as Hormuz Stays Closed

Iran said on Saturday that its armed forces have grown stronger since the start of its war with the United States, as the Strait of Hormuz stays closed and strikes were reported on Qeshm Island.

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said Tehran still controlled the strategic waterway and would keep it closed until its demands were met by Washington. He said Iran’s forces had gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and Israel, and were now on higher alert.

“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,” he said, according to state news agency IRNA.

Iran forces stronger, spokesman says

Akraminia said the forces now had greater motivation, commitment and self-confidence. He added that under the order of the Supreme Leader, the response of the armed forces would be immediate, effective and without geographical limitations.

The war began in late February, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran. Mediators have worked since then to prevent any resumption of fighting after months of deadlock.

Tehran has sought to limit traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption. Donald Trump says the world will know very soon whether he makes a deal with Iran or orders new strikes, after the Democrats took control of Congress in the midterm elections.

Hormuz stays closed: why it matters for Pakistan

For Pakistan, the strait is not a distant waterway. The country imports almost all of its crude oil, and much of it passes through Hormuz. Any long disruption there feeds into fuel prices at home and widens the import bill, which is already under strain.

That is why Islamabad has watched the conflict closely. Pakistan has said the US midterm results will not unravel its ties with Washington, and it has backed mediation efforts in the region. Iran has set out seven demands for the nuclear talks, which remain the main sticking point in any deal.

US offers $20m reward

The US military said it was offering a $20 million reward “and possible relocation” for information about Iran’s nuclear programme. The programme was set up in 1984 under the State Department’s rewards scheme to offer money for information that protects American lives and interests.

In a statement about the reward, the State Department said Iran’s “lack of compliance with the (International Atomic Energy Agency) on safeguards obligations has led to the agency’s loss of ‘continuity of knowledge’ regarding Iran’s production and inventory of key components like centrifuges.” It did not say what type of information would warrant the $20 million.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said US forces have effectively obliterated Iran’s nuclear programme.

“If we didn’t hit Iran, you wouldn’t have Israel today,” Trump said on Friday night in West Palm Beach, Florida. “If they had nuclear, they would have used nuclear. They would have obliterated the Middle East.”

The president also said Iran, which he stressed has had its economy and military severely damaged over eight months of war, is eager to end the conflict.

“We’re dealing with them now. They want to make a deal very badly,” he said.

Trump called Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss efforts to end the war. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said this week his government was still trying to resolve the crisis through dialogue.

Strikes reported on Qeshm Island

Early on Saturday, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that two missiles had struck Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, adding there was no official information about any damage.

Iranian state television reported two explosions on the island. The Iranian army said early on Saturday that its air defences had “struck and destroyed” a US drone that was flying over the island, according to state media. It did not say whether the island was attacked.

What happens next

Mediators are still working to prevent a return to full fighting, and both sides say they want a deal. The gap between them stays wide: Tehran wants its demands met before the strait reopens, while Washington wants guarantees on the nuclear programme first. For now, the strait stays shut, the reward stands, and the next move rests with the negotiators.

Frequently asked questions

What did Iran say about its forces?

Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia said the armed forces are stronger and more confident than at the start of the war with the United States.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz closed?

Tehran says it retains control over the waterway and will keep it closed until its demands are met by the US. The strait normally carries about one-fifth of global oil consumption.

What is the $20m US reward for?

The US is offering $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran’s nuclear programme, under a State Department rewards scheme set up in 1984.

What happened on Qeshm Island?

Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported two missiles struck Qeshm Island early on Saturday, and the army said its air defences destroyed a US drone over the island. No official damage report was given.