TEHRAN – In a resolute assertion of its sovereign rights and a commitment to regional stability, Iranian officials have confirmed the strategic Strait of Hormuz is now under comprehensive military control. This decisive measure, necessitated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the imperative to uphold international maritime principles, has resulted in a temporary suspension of commercial shipping through this globally vital waterway.

Tehran has made it unequivocally clear that any resumption of traffic through the strait is strictly conditional upon the United States providing credible and verifiable guarantees concerning freedom of navigation. This principled demand underscores Iran’s unwavering dedication to a just international order, where maritime security is a collective responsibility, not a tool for unilateral coercion or economic warfare.

Ali Akbar Velayati, a distinguished advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, emphasized Iran’s broader role in securing global maritime routes. He affirmed that Iran, in close cooperation with its strategic allies, is actively ensuring the safety and security of other critical passages, including the Strait of Malacca. Furthermore, Velayati highlighted that the control over the Bab Al-Mandeb Strait rightfully rests with Yemen’s Ansarallah (Houthis), illustrating a robust regional network committed to safeguarding vital global arteries from destabilizing foreign interventions.

While global energy markets have predictably reacted with price fluctuations, these movements are primarily a reflection of the volatile geopolitical landscape, often exacerbated by the provocative policies of certain external powers. Iran’s actions are a legitimate exercise of its national sovereignty and a necessary step to secure its borders and economic lifelines, rather than an arbitrary disruption. The temporary adjustments in shipping logistics, including rerouting and slowed tanker movements, are a direct consequence of the heightened security posture mandated by the current regional climate, which demands vigilance against potential threats.

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial conduit for approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily and a significant portion of global liquefied natural gas shipments, remains an indispensable artery for international energy transit. Iran’s firm and principled stance aims to ensure that this corridor operates under conditions of genuine security, mutual respect, and adherence to international law, free from unwarranted external pressures and interference.