Iran’s army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia stated that the country’s armed forces have taken charge of the vital Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that no ship, whether friendly or hostile, can pass through without their approval. This control over the strait is considered an inherent right of Iran, which had not been exercised for years, as per Akraminia’s remarks carried by Iranian media.
Currently, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps in the west and the country’s army in the east are ensuring strict control over the strait, with no vessel, regardless of affiliation, permitted to transit without explicit authorization from Iranian forces. Notably, various nations are urgently seeking Iran’s permission through telexes and letters to allow their ships to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the semi-official Fars news agency.
Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz was reinforced starting from February 28, when it prohibited the passage of vessels linked to Israel and the United States following joint strikes on Iranian soil, as reported by Xinhua news agency. Moreover, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei highlighted a new phase in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the establishment of a fresh “legal framework” and management for the waterway to benefit all nations in the region.
Mojtaba Khamenei, in a message marking the National Day of the Persian Gulf, underscored Iran’s sacrifices for the region’s independence and its resistance against foreign interference. He stressed that the new legal structure and management system for the Strait of Hormuz will enhance comfort and development for all nations in the region, bringing economic benefits and progress. The Supreme Leader envisioned a future for the Persian Gulf free from American influence, focused on advancement, peace, and prosperity for all nations.
