Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open but will not be accessible to countries involved in attacks against Iran.
In remarks reported amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Araghchi said the waterway is “open, but closed to our enemies, to those who carried out this cowardly aggression against us and to their allies.”
The statement comes as the United States and Israel continue air and missile strikes on Iranian territory. Reports indicate that several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Hamadan and Isfahan have been targeted in recent attacks.
Iran has also launched counterattacks, with damage reported in several Israeli cities as the conflict intensifies.
Meanwhile, authorities in the United Arab Emirates reported a “drone-related incident” that caused a fire near Dubai International Airport. Another drone strike was reported in the industrial area of Fujairah, raising further security concerns in the Gulf region.
Amid the escalating crisis, Donald Trump warned that NATO could face a “very bad” future if American allies fail to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transport route that has been heavily disrupted during the conflict.
Elsewhere, Israel has launched new waves of strikes on southern Lebanon while also massing tanks and troops near the border. Authorities say the death toll from Israeli attacks in Lebanon has climbed to at least 850 people, including more than 100 children.
According to updates from Al Jazeera, the situation across the region remains volatile, with casualty numbers continuing to rise as military operations expand across multiple fronts.