Iran Asserts Full Control Over Strait of Hormuz; Qalibaf Warns US Against Military Action

Tehran - Ekhbary News Agency

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has asserted that the vital Strait of Hormuz is entirely under the control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He emphasized that Iranian forces dealt decisively and firmly with a United States attempt to remove mines in the strait. Qalibaf's statements underscore Tehran's steadfast position regarding navigation security in the region and its pledge to respond to any violation of its sovereignty.

In remarks reported by Iranian media, Qalibaf stated: "Oh noble Iranian people, the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the Islamic Republic." He added that "Iranian forces firmly dealt with the United States' attempt to remove mines, which Iran considered a violation of the ceasefire. Iranian forces advanced to the point of confrontation, which forced the enemy to retreat."

Details of the Decisive Confrontation

The Iranian Parliament Speaker revealed precise details about the incident, noting that he "informed the American delegation in Islamabad that if the mine-sweeper moved even slightly from its position, it would inevitably be fired upon." Qalibaf explained that the American delegation "requested 15 minutes to issue the order to withdraw, and they did so." This account highlights the level of tension reached during the direct confrontation between Iranian and American forces and underscores Tehran's determination to assert control over the strait.

Qalibaf pointed out that "if there is traffic in the strait today, its control is in Iran's hands," clarifying that "the Americans have been announcing a blockade for several days, and this is a hasty and ill-considered decision. Others cannot cross the Strait of Hormuz as long as we cannot." This statement reflects Iran's strategy of linking the freedom of navigation in the strait to its own ability to use this vital waterway without restrictions.

Warning Against Blockade Consequences

The Iranian Parliament Speaker issued a stern warning to the United States, affirming that "if the United States does not lift the blockade, it will inevitably restrict navigation in the Strait of Hormuz." This threat heightens international concerns about the security of navigation in the strait, through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes.

These developments come amidst escalating regional and international tensions. Earlier, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard had announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz starting from the afternoon hours, confirming that the decision would continue. Although the original news was truncated at this point, Qalibaf's statements reaffirm the continuity of Iran's firm stance.

Strait of Hormuz: Strategic Importance and History of Tension

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, with approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil passing through it. The strait has a long history of tensions between Iran and Western powers, especially the United States, which accuses Tehran of threatening freedom of navigation there.

Iran has consistently considered the strait a strategic leverage point in its confrontation with the West, particularly concerning its nuclear program and the sanctions imposed on it. Tehran continuously asserts that the security of the strait is its responsibility and that it will not allow any foreign power to threaten its interests or sovereignty in the region. These latest statements from Qalibaf reiterate this policy, placing the ball in Washington's court regarding lifting sanctions or facing further escalation in the vital waterway.

This escalation occurs at a time when the region is witnessing intense diplomatic and military activity, with countries like Pakistan seeking to bridge the views between Washington and Tehran, while warnings continue about the consequences of any military escalation in the region that could affect the global economy and regional security stability.