NEW YORK: Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Thursday that Tehran has no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. However, he emphasized that Iran reserves the right to ensure the security of the strategic waterway.
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations, Iravani responded to recent remarks from Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who said the “lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used.”
“Iran is not going to close the Strait of Hormuz,” Iravani said. “But safeguarding peace and security in this waterway is our inherent right.”
In a prepared statement, Iravani stressed that Iran respects the principle of freedom of navigation under international maritime law.
“Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea,” he said.
He added that the current tensions in the region are not due to Iran exercising its right of self-defense but are instead the result of what he described as destabilizing actions by the United States.
According to Iravani, Washington’s alleged aggression against Iran has undermined regional stability and contributed to the current situation around the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who said the U.S. Navy, possibly with international allies, could escort ships through the Strait if necessary – Iravani declined to respond.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, making any tensions in the area closely watched by global markets and governments.
-Rosalba Ljunggren
