Iranian parliament speaker warns Strait of Hormuz “cannot be as before”

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf has warned that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will no longer function as it previously did, as ongoing Iranian military activity disrupts maritime traffic in the region.

In an interview with Iranian state television aired on March 17, Qalibaf said Iranian actions were a response to continued hostilities, AP reports.

“They are flying, launching missiles, should we just sit back and do nothing in response, or not? Naturally, it is our undeniable right. We must do this,” Qalibaf said.

He also emphasised the global significance of the waterway and accused the United States and Israel of escalating the situation.

“Let me speak clearly, the Strait of Hormuz has always been important, one of the world’s key strategic chokepoints,” Qalibaf said. “But look at this strategic mistake by the Americans and the Zionist regime, this trap they set, and the recklessness they showed, has turned this potential into an active reality. This is a high-risk opportunity.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical corridor for global energy supplies, with roughly 20% of the world’s traded oil and natural gas passing through it. 

By Sabina Mammadli