Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued a warning that the country's navy is prepared to inflict further "bitter defeats" on its enemies, in remarks published on Saturday amid a fragile truce with US and Israel. In a message marking Iran's Armed Forces Day, posted on his Telegram account, he said: "Just as Iran's drones strike like lightning against the US and Zionist criminals, Israel, the brave navy is also prepared to inflict new bitter defeat on enemies."
The comments come during a10-day ceasefirebetween Iran and Israel, which is due to expire on April 22.
Khamenei, who assumed leadership after thedeath of his fatherAli Khamenei in a US-Israeli airstrike in February, has not been seen publicly since. Reports have suggested he was seriously injured in the same strike. In a series of posts, he praised Iran's armed forces, writing: "The Army is like the nation's child, which arises from within the heart of the people's homes."
"The Islamic Republic of Iran's Army is now courageously defending the land, water, and flag that belong to it," another message read.
He also said Iran's forces were "standing side by side with their comrades from other armed forces, battling the two leading armies of disbelief and Arrogance," in an apparent reference to the United States and Israel.
The remarks contrast sharply with statements from US President Donald Trump, who has said Iran's military capabilities have been severely weakened. "Their military is destroyed, their whole navy is underwater. One hundred fifty ships are gone, their navy is gone," Trump told reporters on April 13.
"I think Iran is in very bad shape. I think they're pretty desperate," he added.
The developments come astensions continuearound the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway through which a significant share of the world's oil passes.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Saturday that it would blockade the Strait of Hormuz, sharply escalating tensions in one of the world's most important transit corridors and deepening a standoff with the United States. In a statement posted on Telegram, the IRGC's naval forces warned that "approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy, and any offending vessel will be targeted."
"In violation of the ceasefire agreement, the American enemy did not lift the naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports," the IRGC said. "Therefore, starting this evening, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until this blockade is lifted."
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