Iran's top negotiator has sharply criticized recent US military maneuvers near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, calling American actions "a clumsy and ignorant decision" that threatens regional stability.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaking on behalf of Tehran's diplomatic corps, reasserted Iran's sovereign control over the vital waterway through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes daily. His comments come as tensions escalate following US naval movements that Iranian officials characterize as an attempted blockade of their ports.
"The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz have been and will remain under Iran's protective watch," Ghalibaf stated during a press briefing in Tehran. "Any foreign military presence that disrupts the lawful passage of commercial vessels represents not just a threat to Iran, but to global energy security."
The diplomatic confrontation marks the latest chapter in ongoing friction between Washington and Tehran, with the strategic chokepoint becoming a focal point of geopolitical maneuvering. Analysts note that control over the narrow strait gives Iran significant leverage in international negotiations, particularly regarding sanctions relief and nuclear agreements.
"History has shown that attempts to intimidate Iran through military posturing only strengthen our resolve to protect our territorial waters and national interests," Ghalibaf emphasized.
Regional shipping companies have reported increased naval activity in recent weeks, though commercial traffic continues to flow through the strait. The situation remains tense but contained, with both sides maintaining communication channels to prevent accidental escalation.
International observers are monitoring developments closely, concerned that any disruption to shipping through the Hormuz Strait could trigger immediate spikes in global oil prices and potentially broader economic consequences. The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties, emphasizing the importance of keeping vital sea lanes open for international commerce.