'Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, its management to remain our responsibility'

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has declared that the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and that its management remains the Islamic Republic's responsibility. Speaking at a meeting with officials from the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs, Aref emphasized the waterway's strategic importance. He stated that vessels transiting the strait should contribute to the costs associated with services Iran provides to ensure safe navigation.

“

The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, and its management will remain Iran's responsibility.

"The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, and its management will remain Iran's responsibility," Aref was quoted as saying. He highlighted Iran's crucial role in maintaining navigational safety within the strait, a vital passage for a significant portion of global energy supplies. Aref warned that without Iran's safety measures, ships could face severe risks, including naval mines and environmental hazards.

These assertions come as the United States and Iran are nearing the formal signing of a peace agreement, expected later this week in Geneva. US Vice President JD Vance addressed the emerging deal, stating it would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and could usher in a new era of bilateral relations if Tehran demonstrates verifiable changes in its behavior. Vance specifically refuted reports of the US transferring billions of dollars to Iran under the agreement, calling such claims "totally false, totally made up."

“

I've seen a lot of misinformation out there. I've seen USD 24 billion going from the United States to Iran. That number is totally false, totally made up.

Vance stressed that Iran has committed to eliminating its stockpile of enriched nuclear material. He added that any broader benefits for Iran would be contingent on ending uranium enrichment and adhering to strict verification requirements. He also noted that the current framework significantly differs from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), emphasizing that the new arrangement would be based on verifiable Iranian commitments before any benefits are extended. US President Donald Trump has described the peace agreement as a "very powerful document," with its full text to be released post-signing.

“

If the Iranians are willing to change their ways and stop trying to build a nuclear weapon, stop trying to fund terrorism all over the Middle East, then we are willing to actually fundamentally transform our relationship with them.