Senior Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Azizi has described the Strait of Hormuz as a major “asset” against enemies; the head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee stated firmly that Iran will “never” relinquish control of the strait, emphasizing in an interview with the BBC in Tehran that it is Iran’s inalienable right to determine the passage and permission of ships through this vital waterway; the former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) added that a new bill based on Article 110 of the constitution is being introduced in parliament, covering environmental protection, maritime safety, and national security, with the armed forces responsible for its enforcement; the closure and disruption of this strategic route have already caused global economic instability, making it clear the crisis is not temporary; Azizi’s remarks reflect a broader shift in Iran’s governance, which has become more militarized and increasingly influenced by the IRGC following recent Israeli strikes that killed several top leaders; Tehran now views control over commercial shipping, including oil tankers, not just as a bargaining tool but as a long-term instrument of geopolitical leverage; Tehran University researcher Mohammad Eslami noted that restoring deterrence is Iran’s top priority after the conflict, and the Strait of Hormuz remains one of its most critical strategic assets; while Iran may negotiate how other countries benefit from the waterway under a new framework, maintaining full control remains its core objective; however, many neighboring countries oppose this stance, especially after recent hostilities, and although a fragile ceasefire is in place, tensions persist; UAE presidential diplomatic adviser Dr. Anwar Gargash has labeled Iran’s actions as “hostile piracy,” warning it could set a dangerous precedent for global maritime routes; in response, Azizi accused regional actors of being the real pirates for aligning with the United States and described Washington as “the world’s biggest pirate”; he stressed that regional security should be managed collectively, though most Gulf states no longer share this vision, with Oman being a notable exception as a close Iranian partner controlling the southern coast of the strait and recently engaging in talks with Tehran to ensure safe navigation; signs of internal اختلاف (differences) have emerged within Iran’s political and military leadership, particularly after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed on social media that the strait was “fully open,” prompting immediate reaction from U.S. President Donald Trump and criticism from IRGC-linked media outlets, with Mehr News suggesting the statement allowed Trump to portray himself as victorious and Tasnim calling it “misleading and incomplete”; Araghchi later clarified that the route remains open only for vessels approved by the IRGC navy and subject to specific routes and fees; Azizi downplayed these differences, insisting that on matters of national security there is unity, and that the fate of the strait will ultimately be decided at the highest level of the state; following initial talks in Islamabad, further high-level negotiations are expected, with the Strait of Hormuz as a central issue; Trump has announced a delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance, while Iran’s participation remains uncertain as officials indicate they may refuse talks as long as U.S. naval blockades on Iranian ports continue; Trump has repeatedly demanded Iran reopen the corridor, warning of severe consequences and accusing Tehran of “blackmail,” which Azizi rejected, stating Iran is merely defending its rights; despite a near-total internet blackout in recent weeks, Iranian officials continue to access global networks, and Azizi noted restrictions will be lifted when security conditions allow; addressing reports by Amnesty International regarding the deadly crackdown on protests and executions of detainees, he reiterated the government’s stance that unrest was driven by foreign intelligence agencies including the CIA and Mossad, dismissing concerns of increased داخلی repression by stating that even during war and ceasefire, there are established rules.
Tehran will never give up control of Strait of Hormuz: Iranian parliament member
