Tehran mayor: Iran holds upper hand, any attack will be answered

Tehran Mayor Alireza Zakani has dismissed the impact of a US-led maritime blockade against Iran, stating that such measures are ineffective and warning that any further military action would trigger a direct response.

Speaking to Iranian state television on Wednesday, May 20, Zakani downplayed the significance of maritime pressure efforts led by the United States.

“Maritime blockade means nothing. They exaggerate and do not dare attack,” he said.

Zakani argued that Washington and its allies had already exhausted their most forceful options, claiming that Iran had emerged in a position of strength. He cautioned that any escalation would be met with retaliation.

“They already carried out their maximum measures and saw that we have the upper hand. If they attack, they will get a response. The era of hit-and-run is over,” he added.

In his remarks, Zakani also firmly rejected the idea that the Strait of Hormuz could be included in any potential negotiations with the United States, framing it as a non-negotiable national right.

“The Strait of Hormuz is our right and we should not negotiate about it with the Americans at all,” he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova