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".