Iran’s Diplomatic Stance on the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s senior diplomat at the United Nations stated on Thursday that the country does not intend to close the Strait of Hormuz. This statement seems to contradict messages from the newly appointed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

This week, Iranian officials declared Khamenei as the new leader after his father was ousted on the first day of a U.S. military operation called Operation Epic Fury. As of now, Khamenei’s status is uncertain since he hasn’t made any public appearances since his designation and hasn’t released any video messages. During a ceremony where citizens pledged loyalty to him, a cardboard cutout was displayed in lieu of his physical presence, which raised eyebrows.

On Thursday, state television shared what was purported to be a statement from Khamenei. However, no videos or images were provided to confirm his wellbeing amid swirling rumors about potential injuries stemming from U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Reports from last week indicated that Khamenei may have been injured, but specifics were not disclosed.

The anticipated statement included various threats directed at the United States, Israel, and their allies. “The national demand is for us to continue a defensively effective approach,” it claimed. “Our desire for revenge goes beyond the martyrdom of revolutionary leaders; every citizen harmed by the enemy becomes a situation for retaliation.”

Significantly, Khamenei’s statement also mentioned, “Ultimately, the methods of closing the Strait of Hormuz need to remain on the table.”

This declaration noticeably contradicts statements made by Amir Saeed Iravani, who, on Thursday, emphasized Iran’s intentions not to close the critical waterway if safe passage for commercial vessels was ensured. He added a somewhat vague note about maintaining peace and security in the area.

Iravani’s remarks were even highlighted by Iran’s pro-government outlet, Mehr News. He reiterated, “Iran will assert its right to guarantee peace and safety in the Strait of Hormuz.” He also clarified that, while they won’t close the strait, this right is firmly held by Iran.

Additionally, the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international shipping lane, was reportedly “effectively closed” following a declaration by the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which designated it as a combat area.

The IRGC Chief, Ebrahim Jabari, had previously stated, “We will not allow oil exports from this area,” which directly threatens neighboring oil-rich states and their buyers, especially those in East Asia.

The Chinese Communist Party, a key ally of Iran, expressed concern over the potential closure of the strait. Despite being Iran’s primary oil customer, China’s substantial dependence on Middle Eastern oil has led to increased anxiety, as evidenced by long lines for fuel observed across the country amid fears of disrupted supplies following Operation Epic Fury.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning highlighted the importance of the strait for international trade and the necessity for security in the region, urging all parties to cease military operations and prevent further disruption to the global economy.

In response to these concerns, the IRGC slightly softened its earlier threats about attacking vessels, indicating a willingness to permit friendly nations safe passage through the strait.

They later asserted, “According to international law and resolutions, the Islamic Republic has the right to oversee navigation in the Strait of Hormuz during wartime.” They warned, however, that vessels from the U.S., Israeli, and European flags would likely be attacked. Yet, complications in maritime law regarding registration and ownership could mean that some European-flagged ships may carry cargo intended for countries like China or South Korea, with the strait remaining inaccessible due to fears of targeting.

Recent dramatic footage surfaced showing explosions affecting three vessels in the Channel, with at least one registered in Thailand and another in the Marshall Islands, neither of which is linked to the ongoing Iranian conflict.