Iran rejects claims of blocking the Strait of Hormuz, prepares to respond to U.S. ground actions, and refuses to negotiate with the U.S.

March 5th, Thursday, marks the sixth day of the U.S. and Israel launching military strikes against Iran. The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with all parties adopting increasingly hardline statements.

Iranian Foreign Minister Alaghasi told media in an exclusive interview on Thursday that Iran is prepared to respond to a ground invasion by U.S. forces and explicitly refuses to restart negotiations with the U.S. Meanwhile, the Iranian military claimed to have launched counterattacks on multiple fronts against the U.S. and Israel, including claims of drones hitting the U.S. aircraft carrier “Lincoln” and missiles striking a U.S. oil tanker. According to CCTV News, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN refuted the false claim of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz on social media, calling it baseless and utterly absurd.

On the U.S.-Israel side, the Israeli military announced a 13th round of airstrikes against Tehran. CCTV reports that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated Thursday evening that they are entering the next phase of operations, increasing efforts to undermine Iran’s regime and military capabilities. Former President Trump told the media on Thursday that he must be involved in selecting Iran’s next Supreme Leader, a statement strongly rejected by Iran. According to Xinhua, the U.S. is reportedly reallocating resources to support the war for at least 100 days, possibly extending into September.

Iranian Foreign Minister: Not Afraid of Ground Invasion, a Major Disaster for the U.S.

In a video interview from Tehran on Thursday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Alaghasi took a tough stance on the possibility of a U.S. ground invasion. He said, “We are waiting for them because we are confident we can resist. It would be a huge disaster for them.”

Alaghasi also stated that Iran is not seeking a ceasefire. Citing the 12-day war last June when the U.S. and Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, he said, “Last time, Israel unilaterally demanded an unconditional ceasefire,” showing a uncompromising stance.

Regarding negotiations, Alaghasi clearly stated that the recent attack has completely shattered Iran’s confidence in future dialogue. Just last Thursday, he was in Geneva meeting with U.S. Special Envoy Wittekov and Trump’s son-in-law Kushner to discuss possible agreements. Reports indicate that after the attack, he has completely severed contact with the two U.S. negotiators.

Alaghasi said, “We have no positive experience negotiating with the U.S., especially with this government. We negotiated twice last year and this year, and during the negotiations, they attacked us.” He added that Iran has no reason to further engage with the U.S., “We have no reason to deal again with those who are dishonest and insincere in negotiations.”

Iranian Military: Counterattacks Escalate, Deny Strait Blockade Allegations

According to CCTV News, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that early Thursday morning, a U.S. oil tanker in the northern Persian Gulf was hit by a missile launched by its navy, which is still burning. The IRGC also stated that all military and commercial ships from the U.S., Israel, and European countries are strictly prohibited from passing through the area; any violations will be met with force.

A spokesperson from Iran’s Hatem Ambyah Central Command announced that the U.S. aircraft carrier “Abraham Lincoln” was hit by IRGC navy drones approximately 340 km from Iranian waters in the Oman Sea, and that it quickly withdrew along with its escort ships, now over 1,000 km away from the area.

In response to the allegations of Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s UN delegation posted on social media that the claim of Iran blocking the strait is baseless and utterly absurd. Iran consistently adheres to international law and defends freedom of navigation.

According to CCTV News, the delegation also accused a U.S. submarine of unprovokedly sinking the Iranian frigate “Dena” during a visit to India, resulting in over 100 sailors’ deaths. They stated, “This reckless attack violates international law and the fundamental principles of freedom of navigation.” The delegation further claimed that “the real threat to maritime security is the United States.”

Xinhua reports that Iran’s military also denies closing the Strait of Hormuz, stating they only intercept ships disguised as commercial vessels.

CCTV News reports that in response to the attack on the “Dena,” Iran’s military issued a statement condemning it as a “despicable and inhumane” attack and vowed to make the U.S. and Israel pay for their “crimes.” The statement noted that the ship was carrying young naval cadets returning after the “Milan 2026” maritime joint exercise.

Subsequently, the IRGC announced the launch of a large-scale military operation codenamed “True Commitment 4,” the 20th wave, to commemorate those lost on the “Dena.” The military then detected Iran firing ballistic missiles toward Israel.

Trump Involves Himself in the Supreme Leader Selection, Israeli Strikes Enter a New Phase

Reports indicate that Trump publicly stated on Thursday that he must “participate” in the appointment of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, calling the late Khamenei’s son an “unacceptable” choice, and said, “We hope for someone who can bring harmony and peace to Iran.” He also warned that if the new leader continues Khamenei’s policies, the U.S. might be forced to take military action again within five years.

Alaghasi dismissed this, saying, “This is absolutely Iran’s own matter, and no one can interfere.” He stated that, according to the Iranian Constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting the new Supreme Leader, “There are many rumors, but no one knows for sure who will be chosen in the end.” According to Xinhua, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ravanji confirmed that Iran has not yet selected a new Supreme Leader.

On the military front, CCTV reports that IDF Chief of Staff Zamiir announced at a press conference that after completing the raid phase, gaining air superiority, and suppressing Iran’s ballistic missile sites, the IDF is entering the next stage, increasing efforts to undermine Iran’s regime and military capabilities.

The IDF also stated that this is the 13th round of airstrikes against Tehran since the conflict began. Xinhua reports that the IDF simultaneously conducted large-scale strikes on infrastructure in Tehran and plans to reopen Israeli airspace on the 8th to allow departures.

U.S. Admits Drone Threat, Precision-Guided Weapons Stockpile Depleting

According to Xinhua, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Caine admitted at a closed-door briefing on Wednesday that Iran’s “witness” single-trip attack drones pose a “significant challenge” to U.S. missile defense systems, with many difficult to intercept. Participants told U.S. media that these drones fly at low altitudes and slow speeds, making them easier to evade compared to ballistic missiles.

Since the U.S.-Israel military strike on Iran on February 28, Iran has launched over 2,000 single-trip attack drones in retaliation. Military experts call them “airborne AK-47s,” noting a severe asymmetry between the cost of intercepting and the cost of the drones—an estimate from a European defense expert suggests that the cost of a single interception could be 10 times or more the drone’s price, possibly reaching 60 to 70 times.

U.S. media reports that the stockpile of U.S. precision-guided weapons is “rapidly depleting,” and in a few days, the U.S. may have to prioritize targets for interception. Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned, “Our ammunition is not unlimited.”

Regarding the duration of the war, opinions among lawmakers vary—U.S. Secretary of State Blinken and others suggest a timeline of 3 to 5 weeks, but Republican Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri said officials seem to be talking about an “indefinite” timeframe.

U.S. Seeks Kurdish Support, Multiple Countries Respond

According to Xinhua citing U.S. media, Trump spoke with Kurdish leaders in Iran and Iraq this week, requesting Kurdish assistance in U.S. operations against Iran, promising “broad U.S. air cover” and other support, aiming to help “Iranian Kurdish opposition forces occupy parts of western Iran.”

Reports indicate that Barzani and Talabani, leaders of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, have expressed reservations about participating in any ground operations against Iran. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denied plans for armed intervention but said discussions involve “our bases in northern Iraq.”

Regarding international responses, Xinhua reports:

• Italian Prime Minister Meloni said Italy plans to provide defensive military aid to Gulf countries alongside the UK, France, and Germany but emphasized they are “not planning to participate in the war.”
• The UK ambassador to Bahrain stated that the UK has assisted Gulf states in defending against Iranian attacks.
• Australian Prime Minister Albanese said Australia has deployed “military assets” to the Middle East and sent six crisis response teams.
• Spain announced it will send a frigate to Cyprus to provide defense support.
• Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that the country was attacked by 14 ballistic missiles and 4 drones from Iran, issuing a nationwide security alert.
• Russia again called for all parties to immediately cease military actions.