Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician tells BBC

From the BBC's vantage point, Iran's stance on the Strait of Hormuz is unequivocal: control is non-negotiable. Ebrahim Azizi, a senior Iranian lawmaker and former IRGC commander, emphatically stated that Tehran will "never" cede its authority over this vital waterway, framing it as an "inalienable right." This assertion is not mere rhetoric; Azizi revealed plans to introduce a bill in parliament that would codify Iran's control, integrating it with constitutional provisions on the environment, maritime safety, and national security. This move signals a deliberate effort to institutionalize Iran's leverage over global maritime traffic.

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Never.

The current geopolitical climate, exacerbated by regional conflicts, has seemingly emboldened Iran to weaponize the strait, viewing it as a critical asset against adversaries. Azizi's description of the strait as "one of our assets to face the enemy" reflects a hardening of Iranian policy, particularly within a parliament increasingly dominated by hardliners and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This perspective aligns with a broader trend of militarization in the region, following a series of high-profile assassinations attributed to Israeli strikes.

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It's our inalienable right

Mohammad Eslami, a research fellow at the University of Tehran, further elaborates on this strategic calculus, explaining that restoring deterrence and leveraging the Strait of Hormuz are top priorities for Iran post-conflict. While Tehran may be open to discussing frameworks for passage, ultimate control remains the "bottom line." This position, however, is met with strong opposition from regional neighbors, such as the United Arab Emirates, whose diplomatic advisor, Dr. Anwar Gargash, has condemned Iran's actions as "hostile piracy" and warned of dangerous precedents for other global waterways. Azizi's retort, accusing the US of being the "biggest pirate," highlights the deep-seated animosity and mistrust that characterize the region's complex dynamics.

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Iran will decide the right of passage, including permissions for vessels to pass through the Strait.