<p>Iranian army commander Major General Amir Hatami on Sunday, August 16, sharply denounced US President Donald Trump over his recent comments about the Strait of Hormuz, according to state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).</p>
<p>"Joking about such remarks is a major mistake, because this is Iran, and it has defenders who will break your legs," Hatami said. He claimed that the US military had "effectively been driven out" and was no longer permitted to enter the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, or the Sea of Oman. The commander added that US bases would not be allowed to return to their original status, stating that "Iran will never allow" it.</p>
<p>The remarks came in direct response to a statement by Trump on Friday, August 14, in which he threatened that the US would take over the Hormuz Strait as its territory after they "finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated."</p>
<p>On the same day, Hatami announced to reporters that Iran has repeatedly declared a bounty for any citizen who harms or captures an American soldier. "Every person who kills or captures and hands over an American aggressor will receive a gift equivalent to USD 30,000," he said.</p>
<p>In a separate legislative development, Iran's parliament approved a bill making it illegal to speak to or interview with media outlets deemed "hostile," including US-linked, Israeli-linked, or externally funded news organisations. The newspaper Shargh reported that violators could face six months to two years in prison if the Guardian Council approves the law. Speaking to other foreign media would require prior notification to the Intelligence Ministry.</p>
<p>The bill follows a law passed last year that increased penalties for collaborating with enemy nations. Photojournalist Yalda Moaiery was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison under that earlier law for giving interviews and photographs to US and Israel-linked media.</p>
<p>Separately, the cities of Tehran, Qom, and Mashhad are set to hold mourning ceremonies marking 40 days after the burial of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, his son, will oversee the events, according to an official statement.</p>
