U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday that the United States had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and that it was "sealed up tight" until such time as Iran was able to make a deal, while Iran had drawn up a target list for retaliation against the United States and its allies.
Trump made the remarks in a social media post, adding that "no ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy."
He also said on Thursday that he has ordered the U.S. Navy "to shoot and kill" any boat putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz.
There is to be "no hesitation" for U.S. forces to attack Iran's "small boats" putting mines, and the U.S. minesweepers are clearing the Strait of Hormuz right now, Trump said on his Truth Social.
Meanwhile, against the backdrop of diplomatic setbacks and a lack of trust in negotiations, Iran has drawn up a target list, based on the principles of reciprocal response and offensive deterrence, to address potential military actions by the United States and its allies.
Iran has prepared different responses for different scenarios: striking enemy power plants if its own are hit; targeting U.S. allies' energy facilities if its oil and gas sector is attacked, with the aim of cutting global oil output by 25 million barrels a day for one year; hitting AI and IT centers if its officials are assassinated; and launching massive missile and drone strikes against enemy aircraft carriers and helicopters if its territory is violated.
Iran also threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and completely seal the Strait of Hormuz through large-scale mining if a U.S. naval blockade continues or escalates.
Should the U.S. launch a ground invasion using regional bases, Iran said it would coordinate with resistance front forces and local armed groups to capture U.S. soldiers. Surprise attacks on U.S. interests outside the region are also possible.
Trump claims full control of Strait of Hormuz as Iran draws up retaliation target list
A broad range of participants gathered in Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital on Thursday for the Cambodian edition of the "China's Governance and Worldwide Development Global Dialogue", an international series of events and forums hosted by China Media Group (CMG).
The session, co-organized with the Chinese Embassy in Cambodia and the Royal Academy of Cambodia, drew more than 150 guests from the ruling party, think tanks, media, the business community and universities for in-depth discussions on China's governance experience and its contributions to global development.
The recently concluded fifth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), a key Party leadership meeting that charts the country's major policy course, stood at the heart of the discussions.
Participants said its successful convening offered a valuable opportunity to gain insight into China's approach to governance and the choices shaping its path forward.
For Sok Touch, president of the Royal Academy of Cambodia, the value of China's governance lies in the contribution it makes to stability in global development and the lessons it holds for fellow developing countries.
"If we view China's governance from the perspective of global development, it is evident that China's effective governance has played a stabilizing role; through its own governance practices, China has offered a wealth of experience to other developing countries," he said.
Dr. Chea Munyrith, president of the Cambodian Chinese Evolution Researchers Association, turned to the experience of the CPC itself, saying the session's emphasis on Party discipline carries relevance for political parties well beyond China.
"The CPC is a party with a wealth of experience; its governance expertise is not only relevant to China but also serves as a useful reference for political parties in other countries. The fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has once again emphasized the importance of persevering with full and rigorous Party self-governance—a highly significant measure," he said.
The event also featured screenings of promotional videos for premier CMG productions, including "Records of Chinese Craftsmanship: Intelligent Robot Manufacturing" and "China Flash Forward", presenting China's achievements in smart manufacturing and green innovation.
CMG hosts dialogue session in Cambodia to explore China’s governance, global development
