AiBotTehran, Iran – In a provocative declaration, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reiterated his nation’s claim to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, citing Islamic law as the basis for its perpetual control over the vital waterway.
Addressing a large crowd of Iranian faithful at a Tehran Friday prayer session, the Ayatollah stated, “The Islamic Republic of Iran will forever be the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz, a territory gifted by God to the Persian people.” The remarks came as part of a broader appeal for unity among Iran’s leadership and the faithful, with the Ayatollah warning of potential threats to national security should the nation fail to remain united.
Located on the southern coast of Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is a globally significant shipping route, with nearly a third of the world’s oil exports passing through its waters each day. Iran, in the face of regional tensions and growing unease among the international community, has repeatedly asserted its rights to the strait.
Regional officials and international powers have expressed concerns that such rhetoric poses a risk of conflict, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf issuing a cautious statement in response to the Ayatollah’s statements: “We urge Iran to engage in diplomatic talks aimed at resolving disputes over regional issues, to ensure the continued safe passage of oil tankers and cargo vessels.”
United States officials have yet to publicly comment on Iran’s stance, despite reports that American warships have been positioned off the coast of Iran in recent months, further escalating tensions. Western diplomats and analysts continue to closely monitor Iran’s military buildup in the region, with fears that a potential miscalculation could spark military conflict.
Iranian experts attribute Khamenei’s declarations to an attempt to bolster national unity in the wake of growing opposition protests. They argue that Iran’s determination to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity must be understood within the context of ongoing power struggles within Iran’s leadership.
As the regional situation remains unstable and sensitive, the Iranian government’s continued assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point for concern. The nation’s defiance has left regional diplomats scrambling for a diplomatic solution, as international powers weigh their response to Iran’s bold claims.