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The military leadership maintains its stance despite increasing tensions, according to a July 16, 2026 article in The Times of Israel.
Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia stressed that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz can only happen if the United States fully complies with the 14-point memorandum of understanding that was signed in June and if Iran imposes its regulations on ship traffic in the strait.
His message was quite clear: these are the necessary next steps to get this vital canal back to normal operations.
Additionally, Akraminia cautioned that Iran’s military forces will destroy any surviving infrastructure in the area if President Trump carries out his threat to attack Iranian infrastructure.
He continued by saying that Iran was prepared to protect its interests with tremendous force, and that the response would be more violent, extensive, and destructive than any prior strikes.
Defence operations by the army have already included strikes against American bases in Jordan and Kuwait, as the military has acknowledged.
Government officials have made it clear that these measures are a warning to neighbouring nations.
Military officials in Iran have warned its neighbours that they will not stand for the provision of American bases or the firing of American missiles against Iranian territory.
