Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not revert to its pre-war conditions, emphasizing that if Iran is hindered from selling its oil, no other country in the region will be able to do so. Qalibaf characterized the conflict as an “all or nothing” scenario and claimed that the security of the Strait is contingent on the absence of US forces. His remarks followed US President Donald Trump’s threats to retaliate against Iran with bombings in response to attacks on commercial vessels in the strait. Iran insists that it will ensure the safety of commercial shipping if vessels coordinate with its maritime protocols, asserting its control over the vital waterway, through which one-fifth of global seaborne oil trade passes. The Strait has become a significant point of tension between Iran and the US since the onset of the Iran-US war in February.
Why It Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime corridor, with about 20% of the world’s oil supply passing through it. Following escalating tensions and military confrontations between Iran and the US since February, the strategic importance of this waterway has intensified, impacting global oil markets and international shipping security. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about potential disruptions in oil supply and increases the risk of military engagement in a region already fraught with instability. Iran’s insistence on controlling navigation through the strait highlights its strategic priorities and the potential for broader geopolitical ramifications in the Middle East.
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