One of the world’s most important energy supply routes, the Strait of Hormuz, has been declared fully under Iran’s control by the country’s Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Haji Babai, who clearly stated that any transit through the strait must pay tolls in Iran’s national currency, the rial, according to BBC. Citing Mehr News Agency, it was reported that Haji Babai described the Strait of Hormuz as a “red line” or ultimate boundary for Tehran. After prolonged discussions with Iranian representatives in Islamabad, U.S. Vice President JD Vance held a press conference but made no remarks regarding the strait, even though it was one of the key unresolved issues in the talks. The current conditional ceasefire between the United States and Iran includes ensuring safe passage of ships through this waterway as a major condition. Nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, meaning any disruption or control over this route could trigger a global energy crisis. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in a post on his social media platform Truth Social that the strait would “soon be open.” On the other hand, the United States Central Command stated that two of its warships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz as part of a mine-clearing operation, a claim that Iran has directly rejected. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), through state broadcaster IRIB, issued a stern warning that any attempt by military vessels to pass through the strait would be met with decisive action.
Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s hands, toll to be paid in rials: Iran’s deputy speaker
