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

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.