Iran’s army says its forces are “stronger” and on higher alert than at the beginning of the conflict with the United States. Iranian Army spokesperson Mohammad Akraminia says the armed forces have gained experience from direct confrontations and now have greater motivation, commitment and self-confidence, adding that responses under the Supreme Leader’s order would be immediate and not geographically limited.
Multiple outlets also report that Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until Washington meets Tehran’s demands. Coverage ties the statement to diplomatic and deterrence moves: Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye and others note mediators trying to prevent renewed fighting after months of deadlock following US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February. Several outlets report the US military has offered a reward of up to $20 million, alongside possible relocation, for information related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Across the reporting, outlets largely agree on the core claims—strengthening of Iranian forces, heightened alert, and Hormuz-related leverage—while differing in how much context they provide about mediation and the broader conflict timeline, as well as whether they foreground US economic or military damage assessments or recent strike references.
