An adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader has described the Strait of Hormuz as one of the country’s most powerful strategic assets, saying it is “more important than dozens of atomic bombs” as tensions with the United States continue to escalate.
Mohsen Rezaee, a former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and adviser to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said Iran would continue to defend the vital shipping route, which Tehran views as a key pillar of its deterrence strategy.
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“This strategic passage is more important than dozens of atomic bombs, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will protect it,” Rezaee was quoted as saying by Iran’s ISNA news agency.
According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, Rezaee said the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial component of the country’s defence strategy and plays a decisive role in protecting Iran’s security and national interests.
“The Strait of Hormuz is one of the components of the country’s deterrence and plays a decisive role in ensuring security and national interests,” he said.
Strait remains at the centre of tensions
Rezaee’s remarks came after the Iranian military said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” following the latest round of hostilities with the United States.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow waterway can have an immediate impact on global energy markets, with renewed concerns already pushing crude oil prices higher.
US-Iran tensions deepen
The comments come amid renewed friction between Tehran and Washington following the collapse of the June memorandum of understanding (MoU), which had sought to reduce tensions between the two countries.
The United States has urged Iran to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran has warned it may no longer consider itself bound by the agreement if US military operations against Iranian territory continue.
Western governments have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, an allegation Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Qatar condemns Iranian attacks
Meanwhile, Qatar condemned Iranian missile attacks on its territory and other Gulf states and Jordan, describing them as a “serious escalation” that risks further destabilising the region.
In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry urged all vessel owners to temporarily suspend navigation and maritime operations in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.
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According to Qatari authorities, at least three people were injured after debris from intercepted Iranian ballistic missiles fell inside the country on Sunday.