According to an Iran International English report of Friday 27 of February 2026, a senior Iranian cleric, Kazem Nourmofidi, has dismissed recent threats of the United States (U.S.) military action as a political bluff, emphasizing that Washington ultimately has no alternative but to engage in talks with Tehran.
Nourmofidi, the Friday prayer leader of Gorgan in northern Iran, told state media that the warnings of a potential attack are intended to project power and pressure Iran into a vulnerable position.
“These threats are more a show of power and a political bluff than reality,” he said. “They have no choice but to negotiate with Iran.”
Nourmofidi noted that several factors make the prospect of military action against Iran unlikely. He pointed to widespread regional opposition to conflict, the country’s defensive capabilities, and Iran’s strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz as key deterrents.
“Control of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of the Islamic Republic, where one-fifth of the world’s energy passes, and closing it could raise oil prices to $200 and create severe economic crises for the United States,” he said.
The cleric’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington, as both sides continue indirect discussions over nuclear and regional issues. Analysts have repeatedly warned that threats of military force could escalate regional instability, though Nourmofidi’s comments underline Tehran’s confidence in its defensive posture.
Iran has frequently cited the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic asset, given its role in global oil supply. Nourmofidi’s statements reiterate Iran’s capacity to influence energy markets, signalling that any hostile action would carry substantial economic consequences for the U.S. and global markets.See_More…