New tension between Washington and Tehran has flared after comments from Donald Trump about the Strait of Hormuz, with a senior Iranian military official issuing a fierce threat against the US president and warning that Iran has forces ready to defend the region.

Major General Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of Iran’s army and a former defence minister, described US President Trump’s remarks as “a big mistake” after he said that once Iran was defeated he could soon declare the Strait of Hormuz “United States territory.”

Responding to Trump’s comments, the Iranian military chief said anyone who threatened his country would face fierce resistance. He was quoted as saying: “This is Iran, and it has defenders who will break your legs.”

Hatami also claimed that US forces had “effectively been driven out” of the region and would no longer be allowed to return to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, or the Strait of Hormuz. “The only way is for the Americans to leave the region. They have effectively been expelled and are no longer permitted to enter the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, or the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.

Trump’s comments on the Strait of Hormuz

Trump had earlier said the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil, could come under US control.

“Once we finish defeating Iran, which is losing very badly, I will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz United States territory,” the US president said. He also claimed the US was already in control of transit through the strait, stating: “No ship passes unless we want it to.”

$30,000 reward for American soldiers

Meanwhile, Hatami announced a $30,000 reward for anyone who kills or captures a US soldier.

“For every person who kills, or captures and hands over, an American aggressor, the Islamic Republic of Iran will provide a gift equivalent to $30,000,” he said.

He added that the weapon used by anyone who manages to kill a US soldier would be bought back at double its price and replaced with a new one, while the weapon itself would be preserved in a museum.