Iran Criticizes U.S. Response to Hormuz Demands, Issues Threats
On Sunday, Iran’s leading national security official deemed the U.S. reaction to Tehran’s demands concerning the Strait of Hormuz as “inadequate.” He further warned of potential strikes on American-linked undersea communication cables, data centers, and AI facilities in the region if hostilities resume.
Maj. Gen. Mohsen Rezaei, who heads Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, expressed this concern while Tehran sought concessions from the Trump administration, all against the backdrop of an ongoing U.S. naval blockade and increasing economic strain.
In an interview with Press TV, Rezaei valued American-linked technological infrastructure in the area at over $2 trillion, indicating that such assets could be targeted in future conflicts.
He emphasized, “The pulse of the American economy in this region runs through our part of the world,” suggesting that infrastructure previously thought secure could now be at risk should fighting reignite.
This warning extends beyond previous Iranian calls for fees on undersea communications cables traversing the Strait of Hormuz. It raises fears of attacks on vital infrastructure essential for international communication, financial transactions, and technology services throughout the region.
Rezaei’s comments coincided with Iran’s insistence that Washington accept seven conditions for reopening this critical waterway and continuing negotiations, which include lifting the naval blockade and allowing Iranian oil sales to flourish.
The Iranian official stated that some of Tehran’s demands had been acknowledged by Washington, though he did not specify which ones, and it appears the Trump administration has not publicly recognized any acceptance of these conditions.
Rezaei asserted, “We are not in the process of responding to the Americans. They have responded to us, and we consider their response inadequate.”
He reiterated Iran’s unwillingness to revert to past negotiation strategies while also claiming that diplomacy remains a priority for Tehran.
President Trump had earlier dismissed an Iranian proposal which sought U.S. concessions in exchange for reopening Hormuz, stating there would be no agreement from his side. Still, he described recent communications with Tehran as “productive” while maintaining a strong naval blockade and insisting on preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.
Last week, Trump indicated he did not plan to launch any new attacks before the midterm elections, yet he has kept the door open for possible military action if negotiations do not succeed.
He noted, “We’re going to win,” suggesting that a resolution is expected soon, one way or another.
Objections from the U.S. go beyond Iran’s demands regarding Hormuz; they also extend to Tehran’s reluctance to make nuclear concessions deemed crucial for any broader agreement.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz called Tehran’s earlier proposal a “garbage deal,” emphasizing that Trump would not approve any agreement that permits Iran to continue its nuclear pursuits.
Moreover, Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran must significantly reduce its uranium enrichment capabilities to reach an agreement. However, Iranian officials have consistently rejected these stipulations.
Mohammad Eslami, the head of Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, made clear that Tehran would not give up its right to enrich uranium or its existing stockpile, stating directly, “Under no circumstances.”
On the economic front, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that the strategy to impact Iran’s economy has shifted from maximum pressure to “absolute isolation,” aiming to cut off remaining revenue sources and restrict access to international financial markets.
Through Operation Economic Outcast, the U.S. Treasury Department targeted Iran’s oil exports and its operations circumventing sanctions. Bessent pointed out the stark ramifications of these actions, including halted Iranian crude shipments and significant economic difficulties, describing a situation where the economy is struggling to function normally.
He compared the uncertainty surrounding Iran’s future to the sudden fall of the Berlin Wall, stating, “I don’t know how this ends. You never know how this ends.”
Washington’s economic campaign is further supported by a naval blockade limiting Iranian oil exports while still allowing shipments from nearby Gulf nations to continue.
On Saturday, U.S. Central Command announced that an American fighter jet disabled a Panama-flagged vessel, the M/V Ocean Molica, after it attempted to breach the blockade after leaving an Iranian port. The action rendered the ship inoperable but did not harm the crew.
Since reestablishing the blockade in July, Central Command has turned back 135 vessels, disabled four commercial ships, and destroyed ten tankers linked to Iran’s shadow fleet.
Despite the blockade, Rezaei asserted Tehran’s claim over the Strait of Hormuz, insisting on the authority to impose charges related to shipping security and other concerns, which the U.S. has consistently dismissed.
Threats from Iranian forces have also extended towards vessels deemed unauthorized while increasing attacks on commercial shipping in the strait. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attributed numerous recent tanker incidents to naval mines, though these claims remain unverified.
Iran’s threats have also targeted American military assets as additional U.S. forces deploy to the region. An IRGC spokesman shared an image of a missile system aimed at an American aircraft carrier with a caption, “We are waiting.”
This warning coincides with reports of further U.S. military deployments and ongoing preparations for potential operations against Iran, even as Trump has postponed new strikes until after the midterm elections.
At this point, Washington is continuing its blockade and tightening economic pressure while still leaving room for negotiations, with Trump making it clear that the situation will ultimately resolve itself “one way or the other.”
