Iran fires back after Trump's Strait of Hormuz warning, vows US will face 'humiliation'

TEHRAN, IRAN: The war of words between the United States and Iran has intensified once again after Tehran responded sharply to President Donald Trump's latest military warning.

Hours after Trump threatened direct strikes on Iranian infrastructure if commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz came under attack on Wednesday, July 22, an Iranian military source spoke to Tasnim news agency and issued a stern message, insisting that any attempt to test Tehran's resolve would end in failure and humiliation.

Iran warns US against escalation

Speaking to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, a military source reportedly dismissed Trump's warning and declared that Iran would continue asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

According to the source, Iran believes shipping through the waterway will remain secure only if it operates under arrangements coordinated with Tehran.

The official added that Iran considers maintaining authority over the strait essential for its long-term security and said the country would not abandon that position under pressure.

The response also included a direct warning over potential US military action.

The military source said that if the United States were to strike bridges, power stations or other civilian infrastructure inside Iran, Tehran would answer by targeting regional infrastructure and energy facilities connected to American interests.

Ending the statement with a pointed message aimed directly at Trump, the official claimed recent developments had already demonstrated Iran's willingness to respond militarily and warned that "any potential gamble by Trump will once again lead to his disgrace."

Trump threatens Iran with bombing

The remarks followed Trump’s forceful statement on Truth Social, where he laid out a potential US response to any future Iranian attacks targeting commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

The president warned that any missile, drone, rocket or similar strike launched by Iran against shipping in the key maritime route would be met with an American attack on a bridge or power plant inside Iran.

Trump said the measure would be implemented immediately, presenting it as a deterrent aimed at preventing further threats against one of the world’s most important energy and trade passages.

Compared with earlier warnings during the conflict, the latest message provided a more specific outline of what action could trigger a US response and the type of infrastructure that could become a target.