Khamenei Warns Trump as US Rejects Iran's Hormuz Reopening Proposal

Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned on Monday that Iranian forces are fully prepared to defend the Strait of Hormuz, claiming enemies "dare not cross the Arabian Sea" after Washington rejected Tehran's proposal to reopen the strategic waterway. Khamenei stressed nationwide "armed readiness" and unity among Iranians in safeguarding the Strait, saying enemy forces have suffered "painful blows" and will eventually be cleared from the Arabian Sea. His remarks came as US President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal, conveyed through intermediaries, that linked reopening the waterway to easing US military pressure and other conditions. US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Trump refused the plan because Tehran sought sanctions relief and access to "billions in frozen assets" before nuclear negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disputed Waltz's account, saying Iran remains ready for diplomacy while prepared for renewed hostilities. Khamenei's statement marked Iran's "Sacred Defense Week" and the anniversary of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's death.