Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said Tehran has no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz and appears to be using a more moderate tone following statements by the country’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei suggesting the possibility of using the strategic waterway as leverage.Speaking to reporters at the United Nations on Thursday, Amir Saeed Iravani said Iran would not close the vital shipping route, but stressed that the country has the right to guarantee its security, according to Reuters.
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“We will not close the Strait of Hormuz,” Iravani said. “But it is our inherent right to maintain peace and security in this waterway.”His comments came after Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said earlier on Thursday that “the method of closing the Strait of Hormuz must continue.”
In a prepared statement read to reporters before answering questions, Irvani said Iran remains committed to international maritime law.He added, “Iran fully respects the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea and remains committed to it.”However, he blamed the growing tensions in the region on US actions.“However, the current situation in the region, including the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran’s legitimate exercise of its right to self-defense.
Rather, it is a direct result of the destabilizing actions of the United States by waging aggression against Iran and undermining regional security.”The comments come amid rising tensions in the region following ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States.Asked about comments by US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent, who told Sky News that the US Navy, perhaps alongside an international coalition, could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz when militarily feasible, Iravani said he had no response, Reuters reported.The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway
