Iran Denies "Blatant Lie" of Sanctions-Driven Famine

Iran's Security Council Secretary Rezaei rejected claims that US sanctions have caused mass hunger in Iran, calling it "a blatant lie" and saying: "Our government has been thinking about this for a long time, and we currently have enough stocks of food and basic goods."

Vowing Retaliation Over Kuhestak Strike

Rezaei said Iran has "reserved the right to respond" to what he described as an American attack on a wedding ceremony in Kuhestak, warning that "the Americans should know this."

Distrust of the US and Historical Grievances

Rezaei stated Iran has "every right to distrust America," rejecting US claims that Iran cannot be trusted: "We are among the most trustworthy nations in the world... we have never initiated an attack on any country, never challenged the political borders of others, and have fulfilled all our international commitments."

He cited the fate of the exiled Pahlavi shah as evidence of unreliable US commitments, saying Washington's policy toward Iran has always sought "a group of servants who follow orders blindly."

Conditions for Keeping Hormuz Open

Rezaei said Iran would commit to keeping the Strait of Hormuz open "when the United States neither threatens Iran nor attacks it."

He said Iran plans to announce a restricted zone in the coming days and weeks extending from the US Navy's blockade line through the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, adding that "any ship identified entering this zone with the intention of passing through the Strait will be added to our sanctions list."

Tanker Pressure and a Recent Missile Test

Rezaei said the US is attempting to move five to six vessels through the region "spending a lot of money," and that "these ships are usually targeted," though Iran has "not yet decided to sink them" due to concerns about oil pollution in the Gulf.

He said such vessels typically "suffer some damage" regardless. He also said Iran tested an anti-ship missile against a US warship 48 hours earlier for the first time, claiming: "This special missile created a 'hell' for the Americans, and they fled."