'Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, its management to remain our responsibility'

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes, is Iran's territory. Despite this, he underscored Iran's commitment to ensuring safe passage for all international vessels. This statement underscores Iran's strategic stance on the strait, which has been a flashpoint in regional geopolitics, especially amid tensions with Western powers. The implications of this declaration could affect international trade routes and heighten regional security concerns.