Trump and Iran issue fresh warnings as standoff continues

Alaaeddin Boroujerdi, Deputy Head of the National Security Committee, warned Tuesday that Iran could retaliate in kind for the U.S. military blockade of its ports, which has seen interdictions and the seizure of some vessels. He claimed its forces could "easily respond to any such action by seizing one of the ships present in the region and, in effect, bringing it to Iran's shores." "We have not yet revealed our new cards," he said, renewing a threat to another strategic Middle Eastern shipping lane. "In fact, the importance of Bab el-Mandeb may be no less than that of the Strait of Hormuz," he said, referring to another crucial chokepoint for energy supplies in the region that Tehran has threatened previously to ask its Houthi rebel allies in Yemen to block with attacks on commercial vessels. Iran's "Yemeni allies are waiting to block it and deliver another blow to America, its economy, and its illegitimate interests worldwide," Boroujerdi said. Already, Iranian forces have seized two commercial ships that it accused of violating its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. Ships and boats are seen in the Strait of Hormuz, from Musandam, Oman, April 29, 2026. Stringer/REUTERS Boroujerdi dismissed threats issued by President Trump as "endless" and "empty," and said they would only result in "further damage to America's reputation and a demonstration of Iran's strength." "We still hold the upper hand," the parliamentarian said.