Larijani: Iran did not close the Strait of Hormuz and does not welcome war
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, affirmed that Tehran has not taken any steps to close the Strait of Hormuz. In remarks carried by the Al-Ekhbariya channel, he emphasized that the Islamic Republic does not welcome the continuation of war and does not seek to destabilize the region. Larijani explained that his country does not want the region to become an unsafe hotspot, in an indirect response to the accusations and escalating tensions in the Gulf waters.
The geopolitical importance of the Strait of Hormuz
holds The Strait of Hormuz paramount strategic importance that transcends regional boundaries, reaching into the very heart of global economic security. This waterway, connecting the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is the world's main oil artery, with approximately one-fifth of the world's oil consumption passing through it daily. Historically, the strait has been a tool of political and military pressure, particularly during periods of conflict, such as the "Tanker War" of the 1980s, making any threat of its closure a direct cause for mobilization by major international powers.
The official position and statements of the Iranian Foreign Ministry
In a related development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas AraqchiLarijani's statements, confirming in an interview with NBC News that his country has no intention of closing the Strait of Hormuz at this time. Araqchi stated, "We have no intention of closing the Strait at this stage... We haven't closed it." He indicated that the reduced traffic of some ships and oil tankers is due to those vessels' fears of being targeted amidst the current tensions, and not because of any official ban from Tehran. However, Araqchi did not rule out resorting to other options if the United States and Israel continue their escalation and war strategy.
The impact of the tension on the global economy
The ongoing discussions surrounding the security of the Strait of Hormuz cast a long shadow over global markets. Any genuine threat to navigation in this waterway would not only lead to an immediate and sharp rise in oil prices, but would also jeopardize the supply chains of major industries in Asia and Europe. In this context, US President Donald Trump's reaffirmed Washington's commitment to keeping the strait open, underscoring the paramount importance the United States and its allies place on ensuring freedom of navigation and preventing any party from controlling this vital waterway.
