Iran, Gulf Tensions Dominate Latest Middle East Developments

TEHRAN: (News Desk) – Iranian officials have issued a series of strong statements amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major point of contention.

Iranian Army Chief Major General Amir Hatami warned Washington against any attempt to annex or seize control of the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iranian forces remain prepared to respond to hostile actions and defend the country’s interests.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the recent Islamabad memorandum of understanding with the United States as an agreement reached with “dignity” and “strength.” He said the understanding reflected Iran’s commitment to diplomacy while maintaining its independence.

Iran’s military leadership has also vowed to continue resisting the United States and Israel, with the General Staff of the Armed Forces saying it would not retreat until what it called the “complete defeat” of its adversaries.

An IRGC official separately claimed that more than 85 percent of Iran’s air-defence production capacity survived the recent conflict, saying missile and air-defence production remained broadly comparable to pre-war levels.

Tensions have also spread across the Gulf. Iranian officials accused Kuwait of withholding information about four Iranian nationals detained after allegedly entering Kuwaiti territorial waters. Tehran has also accused Qatar of delaying an investigation into the fate of Iranian pilots whom Iran says are being held there, although Qatar denies holding any pilots.

In the region, Saudi authorities issued a “potential danger” alert for Jazan province near the Yemen border amid recent Houthi attacks. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Mocha port suspended operations following a series of Houthi attacks that reportedly killed seven people and caused significant damage.

Lebanon has also remained a flashpoint. The Arab League condemned recent Israeli strikes that killed 11 people, including women and children, describing the attacks as a dangerous escalation. Israel, however, said one strike targeted a Hezbollah commander and claimed the operation was aimed at advancing security talks with Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meanwhile said negotiations with Oman over maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz were separate from the broader question of reopening the waterway. Tehran has maintained that full security in the strait depends on an end to what it describes as US threats, interference and a naval blockade.

Separately, Iran’s Embassy in South Africa accused former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt of leaving her post because of disillusionment with President Donald Trump. The embassy provided no evidence for the claim, while the White House has rejected the allegations.