BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 14, Iran says maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz is necessary to prevent hostile countries from using the strategic waterway to create problems for Tehran.
Mohammad Eslami, a representative from the University of Tehran, said Iran has been forced to respond to attacks because the United States is conducting military operations from bases located in neighbouring countries.
“The Iranians are defending themselves against US attacks. Some of our neighbours have allowed US military bases on their land,” Eslami said.
He stressed that Iran wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open but believes Tehran should determine the conditions under which the waterway is used.
According to Eslami, Iran views the strait as a tool for rebuilding relations with neighbouring countries as well as European and Asian states, while seeking an end to what Tehran describes as an illegal sanctions regime.
“Iran cannot be isolated from Hormuz, and the Iranian position in the waterway cannot be ignored. Iran will not allow any other adversary to use this strait in order to make problems for the Iranians,” he said.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with major implications for global energy supplies and international trade.
