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Iran in control of Hormuz

The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps’ Navy has reaffirmed Iran's firm control over the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the strategic waterway is still closed. Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei said Iranian forces’ control over movements through the Strait is complete and decisive, and no movement escapes the eyes of the IRGC Navy fighters. The commander stressed that the reality must be seen in the field, not in the announcements and statements of American officials. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open and under full control of the United States. On Wednesday, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority refuted Trump's allegations, reiterating that the strategic waterway remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran’s conditions are accepted. Iran has announced that reopening of the Hormuz Strait hinges on the termination of the US aggression and naval blockade. Tehran says Washington must also release Iran's frozen assets, and agree to a region-wide ceasefire, including in Lebanon and Gaza.

Condemning US-Israeli war crimes

Iran has strongly condemned blatant violations of international law and international humanitarian law by the United States and its close ally, the Zionist regime of Israel. The Iranian Foreign Ministry made the comment in a statement issued to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Four Geneva Conventions in 1949. The ministry said the continuation of gross and serious violations of international humanitarian law by the US and Israel, and inaction of the UN and the state parties to the four Geneva Conventions have normalized violations of humanitarian law and promoted impunity for war crimes. It noted that war crimes committed by the US terrorist army and the genocidal Israeli regime during their military aggression against Iran have crossed the boundaries of brutality and barbarity. The ministry stated that under the Fourth Geneva Convention, States Parties have a legally binding obligation to identify and prosecute those suspected of committing or ordering the commission of grave breaches of international law. It stressed that this obligation is not limited to States parties to the conflict, but applies to all States Parties to the Convention.

Korean Peninsula tensions

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has strongly slammed upcoming joint military drills by the United States and South Korea, warning that it could respond with stronger deterrent measures. The DPRK’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Pyongyang’s consistent principle is ensuring the country’s security by responding to a new level of a threat with a new level of deterrent. The statement added that US-South Korean military drills are more provocative than last year's. Pyongyang warned that the US is pursuing a new nuclear strategy that lowers the threshold for using such weapons and could push global security "to the brink of a nuclear war." The statement stressed that Pyongyang will not tolerate the grave confrontational situation created by the enemy states, but will cope with any threats and challenges through the responsible and decisive exercise of the legitimate right to self-defense. The statement came ahead of the 11-day joint military drills by the South and the US. The DPRK considers the drills rehearsals for an invasion of its territory.

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