Trump Claims Mojtaba Khamenei '90% Gone', Announces Iran Blockade Amid Escalating Gulf Conflict

The US-Iran conflict intensified further after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's military leadership had been largely eliminated and asserted that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was "90% gone."

Trump also announced a renewed US blockade targeting Iran and proposed charging commercial vessels for safe passage through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, prompting a swift response from Tehran.

Trump claims Iran's military has been crippled

During an interview with Fox News, Trump said recent US and Israeli military operations had severely weakened Iran's defence capabilities.

According to Trump, Iran has lost much of its military infrastructure, including:

• Naval capabilities
• Air force assets
• Air defence systems
• Senior military leadership

Trump also referred to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the early phase of the conflict and claimed that Mojtaba Khamenei, widely viewed as a possible successor, was "90% gone."

There has been no independent verification of Trump's claim regarding Mojtaba Khamenei's condition.

US announces renewed Iran blockade

Alongside his military remarks, Trump announced that Washington would reinstate what he described as an "Iranian blockade."

Posting on Truth Social, he declared that the United States would act as the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait."

Trump said:

• Iranian ships and customers would face renewed restrictions.
• Other countries would continue to have access to the waterway.
• Nations using the Strait of Hormuz should contribute financially toward its security.
• A proposed 20% reimbursement on cargo transiting the route should help cover protection costs.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes, carrying a significant share of global crude oil exports.

Iran rejects Trump's remarks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump's statements, rejecting the idea that the United States controls security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi maintained that Iran has historically protected the strategic waterway and rejected Washington's latest proposal.

His response underscored Tehran's position that it remains the legitimate guardian of the strait despite ongoing military tensions.

Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of tensions

The latest exchange comes as both countries continue military operations across the Gulf region.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint because of its strategic importance for global energy supplies.

Any disruption to shipping through the narrow passage could affect:

• Global oil prices
• International trade
• Energy security
• Commercial shipping routes

Military activity around the strait has increased significantly in recent weeks, raising concerns among governments and shipping companies worldwide.

Conflict continues to escalate

Trump's latest remarks add to growing tensions between Washington and Tehran as both sides continue exchanging military strikes and political statements.

While the United States maintains pressure through military operations and economic measures, Iran has rejected Washington's claims and continues to assert its authority over regional waters.

The evolving situation has heightened concerns over regional stability and the security of one of the world's most important maritime corridors.

Key Highlights

• Donald Trump claimed Mojtaba Khamenei is "90% gone" amid the ongoing conflict.
• Trump said Iran's military leadership and defence capabilities have been severely weakened.
• The US announced a renewed blockade targeting Iran.
• Trump proposed charging ships for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iran rejected the US claims and insisted it remains the guardian of the strategic waterway.
• The Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major flashpoint in the US-Iran confrontation.

FAQs

What did Donald Trump say about Mojtaba Khamenei?

Trump claimed Mojtaba Khamenei was "90% gone" following recent military operations. However, this claim has not been independently verified.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, through which a significant portion of global oil exports passes.

What is the US blockade announced by Trump?

Trump said the United States would reinstate an Iran-focused blockade targeting Iranian ships and customers while allowing other nations to continue using the Strait of Hormuz.

How did Iran respond?

Iran rejected Trump's claims, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that Iran has always safeguarded the Strait of Hormuz and would continue to do so.

Why are tensions increasing between the US and Iran?

The latest escalation follows continued military strikes, competing claims over maritime security and growing disputes over control of strategic shipping routes in the Gulf.