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Iran Envoy: Strait of Hormuz Belongs to All, Dismisses Trump Threats

Iran's diplomatic representative in India has stated the strategic Strait of Hormuz belongs to all countries, expressing hope for a return to stability. This comes as US President Donald Trump announced the American Navy would block maritime traffic entering the strait and interdict vessels paying tolls to Tehran. The escalation follows the breakdown of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad, leaving a two-week ceasefire in a precarious state. Iranian officials have dismissed the possibility of further conflict, insisting they do not intend to close the vital waterway.

Key Points: Iran Dismisses Trump's Strait of Hormuz Escalation Threats

  • Iran asserts Strait of Hormuz is for all nations
  • US Navy to block traffic, interdict ships paying Iran
  • Tensions follow failed ceasefire talks
  • Ilahi hopes for return to open, secure passage
3 min read

"Strait of Hormuz belongs to all countries," Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India, dismisses Trump's escalation threats

Iran's Supreme Leader's representative asserts the Strait of Hormuz "belongs to all countries" and hopes for stability amid US naval threats.

"Actually, the Strait of Hormuz belongs to all countries. - Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi"

New Delhi, April 13

Amid escalating rhetoric over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Supreme Leader's representative in India Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, on Sunday, asserted that the vital maritime passage "belongs to all countries" and expressed hope for a return to stability, even as tensions persist following recent developments involving the United States.

"Actually, the Strait of Hormuz belongs to all countries. It's not only for the United States of America. And before this war, the Strait of Hormuz was open, and all countries were benefiting from the Strait of Hormuz. But unfortunately, due to the war, we got a lot of conflict and an insecure situation. So, we want this Strait to be open, but now the situation is not good, and some ships are allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," Ilhai told reporters.

Responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump regarding potential action against ships allegedly paying tolls to Iran, Ilahi dismissed the possibility of escalation.

"I'm sure that they cannot do anything. Before this war, the Strait of Hormuz was open. We didn't want to close it, we are not going to bandit, and we hope that no one in the world will suffer from the Strait of Hormuz. But they brought a lot of unfortunate events in the Strait of Hormuz, and we hope that very soon the Strait of Hormuz will also be solved and go back as a before," he said.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the American Navy would block maritime traffic entering the Strait of Hormuz, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions.

The President further stated that the military would interdict any vessel in international waters found to have paid transit tolls to Tehran.

Outlining the decision in a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the Iranian leadership for reneging on previous diplomatic commitments. "Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and countries throughout the world," the President wrote.

Addressing the reported military threats in the region, Trump dismissed Tehran's claims regarding its maritime capabilities. "They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their navy, and most of their 'mine droppers,' have been completely blown up," he asserted.

This significant escalation in US naval policy follows the breakdown of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad. Despite intensive discussions in the Pakistani capital aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict, both sides were unable to reach an agreement by Sunday, leaving the existing two-week ceasefire in a precarious state.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is worrying. India imports so much oil through that route. Another conflict will send petrol prices through the roof. Our government needs to play a strong mediating role to ensure stability.
V
Vikram M
While I agree the strait should be open, let's be honest, Iran has also played its part in creating tensions. The representative's statement sounds good, but actions matter more. Hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
P
Priya S
Trump's approach is so aggressive! Blocking traffic is like holding the world economy hostage. This is why we need strong multilateral forums where countries like India can have a say. Unilateral actions by any country are dangerous.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian, my primary concern is the impact on our sailors and merchant navy. Many Indian ships pass through there. The government must ensure the safety of our citizens first and foremost. Jai Hind.
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Karthik V
The breakdown of talks in Islamabad is disappointing. Pakistan hosting talks between US and Iran... interesting geopolitical shift. Hope India is closely monitoring all developments. Our foreign policy needs to be nimble.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, I think the Iranian representative's dismissal of escalation threats is a bit naive. When the US Navy says it will block

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