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Pezeshkian: Iran’s approach toward Strait of Hormuz based on preserving security, interests of regional states
President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to regional and global security, saying that Iran’s approach to the strategic waterway is responsible and based on preserving the security, stability and interests of the countries of the region.
In a message marking World Maritime Day on Wednesday, Pezeshkian described the sea as more than a body of water for Iran, calling it a divine blessing and an integral part of the country’s history, identity, and way of life, as well as a major source of opportunities for its present and future.
“The Strait of Hormuz, as one of the most important maritime passages, holds a special position in the security and economy of the region and the world,” the president said.
“Our approach to this strategic waterway is responsible and based on preserving the security, stability and interests of the countries of the region,” he added.
Pezeshkian emphasized that “sustainable security in the Persian Gulf and its waterways depends above all on the cooperation, responsibility and active role of the countries of the region.”
He also praised Iran’s maritime community for maintaining the country’s vital economic lifelines over the past year.
“The strong presence in maritime areas over the past year was a testament to the great determination of the men who did not allow the pulse of the country’s vital arteries to stop for even a moment,” Pezeshkian said.
Iran restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz in response to the illegal US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28.
On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed the Pakistan-brokered Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), whose Article 5 places responsibility for reopening and managing the Strait squarely in Iran’s hands.
However, Washington attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the vital global energy chokepoint by establishing an unsafe corridor near the Omani shores.
The United States also resumed its airstrikes on Iran and imposed a naval blockade in violation of the war-ending deal.
The unlawful US measures prompted Iran to declare the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic.
Now, shipping traffic through the Strait has reached its lowest level in months, sending oil prices to their highest.
The Islamic Republic says the reopening of the critical waterway depends on US compliance with its obligations under the MoU.