Regional tensions and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz heighten economic concerns, strengthening calls for Iraq to diversify beyond oil-dependent revenues.

“The response to any shot or aggression will be a volley of missiles and drones," Rezaei warned.

The IRGC Navy says 28 commercial vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours.

A senior Iranian military commander says Ayatollah Khamenei’s strategies for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz will shape new regional and global order.

Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sheikh Naim Qassem thanked Iran for its support in the face of Israeli aggression and said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz forced the United States and Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon.

The Iranian president says that the Islamic Republic is resolved to defend itself against American and Israeli aggressors.

Iran made no attempt to seize oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, an informed Iranian defense source has told Iranian Persian-language media.