Iran Guards cleric says ‘new surprises’ coming, rules out surrender

A former Iranian lawmaker said US President Donald Trump’s 48-hour threat over the Strait of Hormuz may be aimed at seizing key Iranian islands, including Kharg Island.

Ali Motahari said the warning could be “a kind of deception” to justify action against strategic locations.

“Trump’s threat may be a kind of deception for the occupation of Kharg Island and the three islands,” he said, according to state media.

He warned that any such move would be costly, adding: “If they are occupied, the enemy will suffer heavy casualties.”

Trump has said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, while US officials are also weighing options related to Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, according to Axios.

Several safe houses in Tehran were targeted in attacks early on Monday, Iran International has learned.

The strikes hit sites in different parts of the capital, including Aghdasieh, Majidiyeh and Chizar.

It was not immediately clear who had been staying in the buildings at the time of the attacks.

An attack on Iran’s southern coasts or islands would lead to maritime routes being cut across the Persian Gulf through the laying of sea mines, the country’s Defense Council said on Monday, after US President Donald Trump threatened strikes if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.

“Any attempt to attack Iran’s coasts or islands will cause all access routes… to be mined,” the statement said, adding the Persian Gulf could be placed in a situation “similar to the Strait of Hormuz” for a prolonged period.

The council also warned of “decisive and destructive” retaliation against attacks on Iran’s energy and nuclear infrastructure, referring to recent strikes including on South Pars.

“The only way for non-hostile countries to pass through the Strait of Hormuz is coordination with Iran,” it said.

Trump has said the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the waterway within 48 hours.

The United States is considering options targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, including possible seizure or blockade if shipping disruptions continue, according to Axios.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump agreed in a call on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened to resume global shipping, Downing Street said.

A spokesperson for the British government said the two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and agreed that reopening the strait was essential for stability in the global energy market.

The spokesperson said Starmer and Trump would speak again soon.

The funeral of Mohammad Ghanbari, a bodyguard for Ali Shamkhani, will be held on Monday in Juybar, according to an Instagram story posted by Mahdieh Shademani, the daughter of a killed commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

The timing suggested Ghanbari’s body was recovered nearly a month after the strikes in which he was killed.

Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme Defense Council, was killed in US and Israeli strikes on February 28.