TEHRAN — Iran has warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz cannot be controlled through social media posts, political statements or military pressure, with Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi asserting Tehran’s authority over decisions concerning the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz was Iran’s, is Iran’s and will remain Iran’s,” Gharibabadi said, according to remarks reported by Iranian media.
He said the strait would not be opened or closed based on demands or statements from foreign governments, stressing Iran’s strategic role in the waterway.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, raising renewed concerns about security and navigation in the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas pass through the waterway on their way to international markets.
Any prolonged disruption could affect global energy supplies, shipping and oil prices.
Iran has repeatedly emphasized the strategic importance of the strait and warned that escalating military tensions could have consequences for maritime security in the Gulf.
However, navigation through the waterway is also governed by international maritime law, and major shipping nations have a strong interest in maintaining the safe passage of commercial vessels.
Gharibabadi’s latest comments have therefore added to concerns about a potential escalation in the region, although Iran has not announced a permanent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The situation is being closely monitored by governments and international energy markets because any disruption to the waterway could have significant regional and global economic consequences.
