{
  "id": 18631315,
  "title": "Iranian forces ‘stronger’ than at beginning of war, says army spokesman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/iranian-forces-stronger-than-at-beginning-of-war-says-army-spokesman",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T03:46:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/11/07/iranian-forces-stronger-than-at-beginning-of-war-says-army-spokesman"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iranian forces have grown stronger and more determined since the United States and Israel initiated hostilities in February, according to an army spokesman, Iranian state media reported on Saturday. Mohammad Akraminia, speaking to the state news agency IRNA, stated that the Islamic Republic's armed forces are now more alert and possess greater motivation, commitment, and self-confidence.\n\nThe conflict, which began with a wave of strikes by the US and Israel in late February, has been ongoing for months. Tehran has sought to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that typically facilitates one-fifth of global oil trade. Akraminia confirmed that Iranian forces maintain control over the strategic passage and vowed to keep it closed until the US addresses Tehran's demands.\n\nThe Supreme Leader has ordered an immediate, effective, and unrestricted response from Iran's armed forces, according to Akraminia. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump announced new strikes against Iran following reports of attacks on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Tasnim news agency reported two missile strikes on the island, while Iranian state television claimed two explosions occurred there. The Iranian army also claimed it had destroyed a US drone flying over the island, though it did not specify whether that attack took place.",
  "summary": "The comment follows reports of US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.",
  "key_points": [
    "Iranian forces stronger than at war's start, says army spokesman",
    "US, Israel's hostilities initiated in February, ongoing months",
    "Iranian forces control Strait of Hormuz, vow to keep closed"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Iranian forces on higher alert, stronger than before war, spokesman says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/iranian-forces-on-higher-alert-stronger-than-before-war-spokesman-says",
        "published": "2026-11-07T04:07:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}