Iran's army says forces 'stronger' than at start of war, Hormuz to stay closed

Iran's armed forces are "on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war" with the United States, an army spokesman said on Saturday. "They now possess greater motivation, commitment and self-confidence," Mohammad Akraminia told the official IRNA news agency, adding that the Strait of Hormuz would stay closed until Washington met Tehran's demands. "Under the order of the Supreme Leader, the response of the armed forces will be immediate, effective and without geographical limitations," he said. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman Hossein Mohebbi told the Fars news agency that "the increase in the range of Iran's missiles continues steadily". Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Instagram that he had held calls with counterparts from 12 countries over the past 48 hours, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq and Pakistan. He said he had stressed "the legitimate right of our country to defend its sovereignty and national security" and called for "regional security arrangements without the interference of superregional powers". Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump called Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Friday to discuss efforts to end the war. On Friday, the US military offered a $20m reward "and possible relocation" for information on Iran's nuclear programme. The U.S. government remains committed to countering any attempt by Iran to develop a nuclear weapons program. If you have information on Iran’s nuclear personnel or technologies, send us a tip. https://t.co/unErlK2Wty — Rewards for Justice (@RFJ_USA) November 6, 2026