Strait of Hormuz more important than nuclear bombs: Iran

The Strait of Hormuz is more important than dozens of nuclear bombs, an adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader has said, pledging to protect the strategic waterway.

Mohsen Rezaei, adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, said on Sunday, July 12, that the strait is "more important than dozens of nuclear bombs and the Islamic Republic will protect it." His remarks were reported by Iran's state-run ISNA news agency.

Rezaei said the strait serves as a strategic deterrent and plays a decisive role in ensuring security and national interests. He added that Iran would protect its national interests and security by relying on its own defence capabilities.

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed until further notice since the start of recent conflict with the United States, the Iranian military had said earlier.

Meanwhile, the US and Iranian armed forces exchanged heavy missile and drone strikes on Sunday, targeting each other's installations. Iran also struck US facilities in Gulf countries and announced it would close the strategic strait again.

US President Donald Trump has declared the end of the ceasefire that was established after the US-Israel joint offensive began on February 28, though he said dialogue with Iran remained open.