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Iran Vows to Keep Strait of Hormuz Open, Claims Right to Secure Waterway

Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that Tehran has no intention to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. He asserted Iran's inherent right to preserve peace and security in the waterway, while blaming the United States for destabilizing actions in the region. The strait is a critical chokepoint, with over 20 million barrels of oil passing through daily, representing a major portion of global seaborne trade. The ongoing West Asia conflict has strained global energy supplies, amplifying the strait's geopolitical significance.

Key Points: Iran's UN Envoy: No Plan to Close Strait of Hormuz

  • Iran rules out closing Strait of Hormuz
  • Claims inherent right to secure the waterway
  • Blames US for destabilizing actions
  • Over 20M barrels of oil pass through daily
  • Conflict strains global energy supply
3 min read

"Not going to close the Strait of Hormuz but have right to preserve security": Iran's UN Ambassador

Iran's UN Ambassador says Tehran will not close the vital Strait of Hormuz but asserts its right to preserve security, blaming US actions for regional instability.

"We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway - Amir Saeid Iravani"

New York, March 13

Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani stated that Tehran has no intention to close the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict but added that it is their "right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway."

Amir Saeid Iravani also said Iran respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea, adding that the situation of the Strait of Hormuz is "not the result" of Iran's action.

"We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway, and it is our right," he said, speaking at the UN stakeout.

"Iran has no choice but to exercise its inherent right to self-defence under the UN Charter and international law. Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea. However, the current situation in the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran's lawful exercise of its right of self-defence," he added.

He added that the situation is a consequence of "destabilising actions" of the US and affirmed that Iran has the inherent right to preserve the peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz

"Rather, it is the direct consequence of the destabilising actions of the United States in launching aggression against Iran and undermining regional security. Iran is exercising its inherent right to preserve the peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz, and it is our responsibility," he added.

In recent days, Iran has intensified its restrictions on the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Israeli strikes. Iran says vessels not serving the interests of the United States and Israel can sail through safely.

More than 20 million barrels of crude oil pass daily through the narrow channel separating the Iranian coast from Oman. That volume represents roughly a fifth of global oil consumption and nearly a quarter of all seaborne oil trade. A significant share of the world's liquefied natural gas also moves through the same passage. When that flow falters even briefly, the consequences cascade across financial markets, supply chains and household budgets around the world.

The conflict in West Asia has put a strain on the oil and gas supply around the world, with several countries making alternative arrangements to fulfil their energy needs.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The ambassador makes a fair point about the right to preserve peace and security in their own waters. The US's role in regional instability is often overlooked. However, the selective passage of ships is concerning and sets a dangerous precedent for international trade.
R
Rohit P
Yaar, petrol prices are already through the roof! If anything happens to that strait, we are in for a major economic headache. Hope our foreign ministry is working overtime on this. India needs stable and affordable energy, not more global tension.
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Priyanka N
It's a classic case of "do as I say, not as I do" from the West. Iran is within its rights to respond to aggression. But the statement "vessels not serving the interests of the US and Israel can sail through" is problematic. International waterways should be free for all, full stop.
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Michael C
The economic data is staggering—20 million barrels a day. This isn't just a regional issue; it's a global one. India's strategic investments in alternative energy sources and diversified supply chains are more crucial than ever. This crisis highlights why energy independence is the ultimate goal.
K
Kavya N
Respectfully, while Iran talks about peace, their actions of restricting ships based on political interests are escalating tensions. This "inherent right" argument feels like a justification for controlling a vital chokepoint. The world needs clarity and stability, not more ambiguous threats.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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