Iran will never hand over control of the Strait of Hormuz because it is an “inalienable right” of Tehran, Ebrahim Azizi, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and head of parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told the BBC.
“Iran will determine the right of passage, including permits for vessels to transit the strait,” Azizi said, adding that this is close to being enshrined in law.
According to Azizi, Iran will present a bill in parliament based on a constitutional provision covering environmental protection, maritime safety, and national security, which “the armed forces will implement.”
His remarks come amid rising concerns over the potential closure of the strategic waterway, through which around 20% of global oil consumption flows.
Azizi stressed the importance of Hormuz, which Iran has turned into a strategic lever during the conflict, describing it as “one of our assets to confront the enemy.”
The BBC noted that Azizi is a key figure in a parliament dominated by hardline factions and reflects the thinking of emerging leadership figures following the war that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
With two days remaining before the ceasefire expires—and with Iran and the United States accusing each other of violating the truce—peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Islamabad remain uncertain, with Iran yet to confirm its participation.
Meanwhile, the crisis linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has intensified, with the United States intercepting an Iranian vessel on Sunday.
