[93906] Growing tension between Tehran and Washington: Recruitment for Hezbollah and threats to the Strait of Hormuz

Escalation in the Middle East: Iranian recruitment for Hezbollah and US threats over the Strait of Hormuz

According to reports on 301 News The Arab World, a channel that presents a distinct critical line against Iran and Hamas, the authorities in Tehran have begun posting recruitment advertisements in the streets of the capital. The advertisements call on citizens to join the ranks of Hezbollah in Lebanon, while promising a monthly salary estimated at about $1,000 for each recruit.

At the same time, a significant verbal escalation was recorded between the Trump administration and the Iranian leadership surrounding sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the US might impose fees in the strait, arguing that it serves as a "guardian angel" for countries in the region and is entitled to compensation for historical and future costs, should an agreement not be reached within the 60-day ceasefire (according to 301 News).

The reactions in Tehran were sharp and rejected the American threats. Marandi, a member of the Iranian negotiation team, warned in response that "there is a price to be paid, that is for sure!" (Source). The spokesperson for Iran's National Security Committee mocked Trump's attempts, claiming that if the US had the ability to take control of the strait during the war, it would have done so long ago.

A similar position was also expressed in Israel News | Without Censorship - Voice of News, where Trump's threats were defined as "empty threats" whose validity had expired. The channel, which is identified with hawkish security positions, emphasized that American attempts to demonstrate power in the region have met with a lack of success so far.