Iranian Adviser Compares Strait of Hormuz Control to Atomic Bomb Amid US-Iran Clashes

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have escalated in the Gulf of Oman, with an Iranian supreme leader’s adviser comparing control of the Strait of Hormuz to possessing an atomic bomb. This rhetoric follows US Central Command’s announcement that American forces struck two unladen Iranian oil tankers, the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, alleging they violated a US-imposed blockade. Iran retaliated with strikes against US positions, accusing Washington of terrorism and violating an April ceasefire, though the US reported no damage. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical bargaining chip for Iran, which previously closed the waterway, disrupting global energy markets. Mohammad Mokhber, advising Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, vowed Iran would not forfeit its wartime gains and seeks to alter the strait's legal regime. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected these ambitions as unacceptable, insisting the naval blockade aims to restore freedom of navigation. Former President Trump downplayed recent exchanges but warned of severe consequences if the truce collapses. The incident highlights the fragile security situation in the strategic chokepoint, where sporadic fire exchanges continue as both nations vie for dominance.