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IRGC Navy chief says Iran never sought closure of Strait of Hormuz
The commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy termed on Friday the Strait of Hormuz as the “world’s vital oil and gas artery,” underlining that Iran has consistently ensured the security of this strategic waterway and never aimed to disrupt or close it.
Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri underscored the vital importance of the Strait of Hormuz in the global energy market and warned against the “unregulated” presence of extra-regional powers and their nuclear-powered vessels in this strategic waterway.
“This waterway is the oil and gas artery of the world, and Iran has always safeguarded it and never sought to have it closed,” Tangsiri stated, adding, “The question remains: is it fair that the world benefits from this strait while Iran does not?”
He explained that the decision to open or close the Strait of Hormuz lies with the country’s high-ranking officials and depends on the pressure on Iran’s exports.
“The decision on whether the strait remains open or closed ultimately rests with the country’s top leadership and depends on the extent of pressure exerted on Iran’s oil exports,” he noted.
Tangsiri also criticized the continued presence of certain foreign powers in the region, asserting that “such countries deliberately create tensions and adversaries to justify their presence.”
He reiterated that Iran’s defense policy is fundamentally defensive, not aggressive.
Tangsiri affirmed that Iran has not attacked any country in over 300 years and will not seek conflict unless it is provoked.
He further emphasized the vigilance and readiness of Iranian forces stationed in the Persian Gulf.
“Our soldiers in the region, both from the Army Navy and the IRGC Navy, will stand against any threat or action targeting national interests and will defend the nation’s dignity until their last breath,” he vowed.
Mentioning the 12-day unprovoked Israeli aggression against Iran, he stated that Iran “did not start the war, nor did we request its end; we continue to steadfastly defend the path we were on.”
“The enemies know that Iran is not seeking a nuclear bomb; their problem is with Iran’s independent existence and scientific progress, not with weapons,” he concluded.