Iran foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei said U.S. claims that Tehran’s influence
in the Strait of Hormuz has waned clash with field conditions and market
reactions, noting Washington has had to enlist other countries to secure fuel
supplies. He said Iranian actions in the waterway since Feb. 28 are lawful
responses to alleged U.S. and Israeli military abuses rather than leverage, and
warned that continued U.S. maritime pressure, blockades and economic warfare
will prevent the Strait’s return to security; Tehran says it does not seek
disruption but attributes it to U.S. actions.
