Iran said on Saturday that its armed forces had grown stronger since the outset of its war with the United States, which began when the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

Iranian army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia told state news agency IRNA that Tehran's forces had gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and Israel, leaving them on higher alert. "Today, the Islamic Republic's armed forces... having gained experience from direct confrontation with the United States and the Israeli regime, are on higher alert and are stronger than they were at the beginning of the war," he said.

Hormuz to stay closed

Akraminia said Tehran retained control of the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway would remain closed until its demands were met by the United States. About one-fifth of global oil consumption normally passes through the strait, and before the war an average of 130 ships a day used it, according to Iranian state media.

The claim came as mediators worked to prevent any resumption of fighting after months of deadlock. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday that he had held phone calls with ministers from 12 countries over the previous 48 hours, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Iraq and Pakistan.

On Friday, the US military said it was offering a reward of up to $20 million for information about Iran's nuclear programme. The Revolutionary Guards' spokesman also said on Saturday that work to extend the range of Iran's missiles continued steadily. The claims are Tehran's own and have not been independently verified.