Iranian MP suggests using Strait of Hormuz as leverage in frozen asset talks

Iranian lawmaker Ali Khezrian has stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be used as leverage in negotiations with other countries over Iran’s frozen assets, suggesting that maritime passage through the key waterway could be made conditional on reaching an agreement.

In an interview with state television, Khezrian said Iran’s strength and influence had led some countries in the region — despite being traditional US allies — to oppose Washington’s use of their military bases, Caliber.Az reports.

با استفاده از ابزار تنگه هرمز می‌توان در موضوع پول‌های بلوکه شده ایران با کشورهای مختلف وارد گفتگو شد. و این موضوع را به عنوان شرط اولیه هر نوع تفاهمی جهت عبور کشتی‌ها قرار داد. pic.twitter.com/Zz96rxYBud

— علی خضریان | Ali Khezrian (@ali_khezrian) May 18, 2026

US President Donald Trump said he had authorised a new wave of attacks against Iran this week but that he was holding off to make room for “serious negotiations,” after saying that three Gulf leaders requested more time to work out a nuclear deal.

Iran, in response, has warned it would retaliate more severely to any new attack on the country and said it is prepared for “all scenarios,” according to remarks by a senior Iranian parliamentary official.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov