Iran’s VP: Tehran will maintain control of Strait of Hormuz

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref says Tehran would retain control over the Strait of Hormuz, noting that vessels using the strategic waterway should contribute to the cost of services provided by the Islamic Republic to ensure safe navigation.

"The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, and its management will remain Iran's responsibility," Aref said during a meeting with officials from the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs on Tuesday, according to remarks published by the presidential office.

Aref went on to say that Iran had made significant sacrifices throughout its history to secure its rights in the strait and is now seeking to fully benefit from those rights.

He further noted that Iran provides important services that help guarantee the safe passage of vessels through the waterway, warning that without such measures, ships could face risks, including encounters with naval mines, and cause environmental hazards.

His remarks come amid continued regional discussions over maritime security and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transit routes.

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Iran and Oman have recently been engaged in efforts to establish a mechanism for managing navigation and security in the waterway.

On June 14, Iran and the United States finalized the text of an MoU aimed at ending the war. The memorandum of understanding contributed to a temporary reopening of the strait and an end to the US naval blockade against Iran.

Iran shut down the strait to its enemies and their allies after the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression. Iranian authorities began enforcing much stricter controls in April following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting Iranian vessels and ports.

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