Iran Pledges Control Over Hormuz Strait Until Lasting Peace Achieved
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Key Takeaways
Tehran, April 19 (NationPress) The Supreme National Security Council of Iran (SNSC) has declared its commitment to maintain control and oversight over the Strait of Hormuz until the conflict is conclusively resolved and a sustainable peace is established in the region.
This announcement, covered by Iranian media, follows a report from Iran's principal military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which indicated a reversion to stringent control measures over the strait, pointing to the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran.
The SNSC stated it will oversee activities in the strait by requiring vessel information, issuing transit permits, levying fees for security and environmental services, and managing traffic in accordance with its regulations and wartime protocols, as reported by Xinhua.
"If adversaries attempt to disrupt vessel traffic through the strait by employing tactics like a naval blockade, which would breach the current two-week ceasefire, we will prevent any conditional or limited reopening of the Strait of Hormuz," said the SNSC.
The council highlighted that a significant portion of the equipment supplied to US bases in West Asia traverses the Strait of Hormuz, presenting a threat to both Iranian and regional security.
Additionally, Iran noted it has received new proposals from the US via Pakistan, communicated during the recent visit of Army Chief Asim Munir, and is currently evaluating them.
The Iranian negotiating team has pledged to staunchly defend the nation’s interests without compromise.
Since February 28, Iran has intensified its control over the strait following joint strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian soil. The US has recently enacted a blockade aimed at vessels traveling to and from Iran after peace talks in Islamabad fell through.
On Friday, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be "entirely open" for commercial shipping during the two-week truce with the US, effective April 8, coinciding with the announcement of the truce in Lebanon.
However, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters reiterated on Saturday the reinstatement of rigorous control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing US naval blockade.