Kathmandu— After nearly six months of conflict with the United States, Iran is maintaining a defiant stance, demanding an end to the war and blockade, the release of frozen assets, and a wider regional ceasefire including Lebanon and Gaza. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s new security chief, stated on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until these conditions are met, signaling continued disruption to global shipping lanes. The announcement followed a meeting with China's ambassador, as Tehran seeks closer ties amid ongoing military action in vital maritime areas like the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Demands for De-escalation

Rezaei’s message echoed previous statements from Iranian officials, emphasizing their willingness to continue resisting pressure from the US and Israel. He specifically linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to a comprehensive resolution of conflicts across the region, including those in Lebanon and Gaza. During a meeting with China's envoy Cong Peiwu, Rezaei also sought strengthened ties with Beijing, praising China’s opposition to US-backed resolutions targeting Iran at the United Nations.

Military Capabilities and Claims

Iranian officials are asserting their military strength despite ongoing conflict. Hossein Mohebbi, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claimed on Wednesday that the US has significantly reduced its naval presence in the Persian Gulf since the start of the war, and that Pentagon stockpiles of key munitions are dwindling. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an IRGC advisor, stated that the force is continuing to produce ballistic missiles and drones at a rate exceeding their usage, relying on domestic capabilities. He asserted that Iran’s missile arsenal would remain a threat even if the conflict extends for years.

Military Integration and Leadership Changes

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has appointed six new figures to leading military posts this week, consolidating power within a trusted circle of officials. Hossein Taeb was named head of the Basij force, while Ali Abdollahi will lead the General Staff of Armed Forces, tasked with integrating wartime command structures and upgrading capabilities across various domains including missiles, drones, and cyber warfare. IRGC commander-in-chief Ahmad Vahidi pledged cooperation to resist what he termed “Zionist-American arrogance”.

Domestic Concerns and Economic Strain

President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed concerns on Wednesday that opponents of the Islamic Republic may attempt to destabilize the country through renewed nationwide protests fueled by public discontent. Ali Akbar Javidan, head of the police border guard in Kurdistan province, dismissed US claims about potential attacks from Iraq-based Kurdish separatist groups, asserting the security of Iran’s borders. Meanwhile, citizens are grappling with the worsening economic impact of the war and increased security measures. One Tehran resident, Jamshid, expressed pessimism about the future, stating, “I don’t expect anything to get better this year, or maybe even next year.”

Recent Incidents at Sea

A merchant ship was reportedly hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman on Sunday night. On Tuesday, Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen launched their deadliest recent maritime attack, targeting an Egyptian-owned ship in the Red Sea and killing six people according to Yemen’s government. The US military reported firing Hellfire missiles at a Panama-flagged vessel overnight on Tuesday as part of its naval blockade of Iranian ports – marking the twelfth such incident since April.

Despite ongoing mediation efforts by countries like Pakistan and Qatar, rhetoric from Tehran remains hardened, with no immediate signs of de-escalation. The 60-day period of a repeatedly violated memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US is approaching next week.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.