Iran claims military strength has grown since conflict began

An Iranian army spokesman declared on Monday that the nation's military capabilities have improved significantly since the onset of the conflict, signalling defiance in the face of ongoing regional tensions.

The comments were issued following reports that US forces had conducted strikes targeting locations on Qeshm Island, a strategically important position within the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical shipping routes. The reported operations have heightened concerns about potential escalation in the volatile waterway.

The Iranian military's assertion of increased strength reflects Tehran's messaging strategy amid the broader conflict, though independent verification of such claims remains difficult. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments transit, has remained a focal point of regional military posturing.

The latest developments underscore the continuing tensions between Iran and Western powers in the region, with both sides engaged in military activities that have repeatedly raised alarms among international observers and regional trading partners dependent on unobstructed passage through the strategic corridor.