Iran's message after Trump's bluff
In Tehran, they respond to Trump's declaration of the Strait of Hormuz as a "new American territory" and declare that the strait "will remain Iranian." Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the UAE, which fell into the sea. In response, Abu Dhabi announced the cessation of all activities and financial transactions with Iran. Foreign Minister Araghchi mocked: "The Americans tried every card they could and failed." Gulf states, according to reports, feel "stuck in the middle" in light of the lack of an American response.
In response to US President Trump's declaration of the Strait of Hormuz as a "new American territory," Tehran quickly turned the defiance into a show of force. Senior Iranian officials declared that the strait "will remain Iranian," mocked Washington's inability to reopen it, and claimed it had failed in its war aims. Meanwhile, Iran launched two ballistic missiles toward the UAE last night, which fell into the sea. The Emirati Defense Ministry clarified that they are on full alert, and the Foreign Ministry announced the cessation of all activities, barter trade, and financial transactions with Iran until further notice. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Americans "tried every card they could and failed," adding that Iran opposes a ceasefire this time, so that the war does not repeat itself. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf mocked senior administration officials, and Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei quipped that the gap between the American inability to open the strait and the claim of ownership is greater than the distance of 7,000 miles. Emirati commentator Amjad Taha claimed that Revolutionary Guard members "hide like rats in tunnels." According to a Wall Street Journal report, Gulf states are frustrated by the lack of an American response and feel "stuck in the middle."