Iran to maintain access to Strait of Hormuz despite US sanctions
March 13, 2026 • Al Jazeera
Iran Reiterates Commitment to Open Navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Tehran has reaffirmed its intention to maintain open navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement made by Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s UN ambassador. This comes after Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated that the waterway would remain closed as part of pressure on adversaries.
In a recent public address, Khamenei announced that the Strait of Hormuz would be kept closed to exert influence on nations perceived as threats to Iran. However, Iravani has since clarified that Tehran remains committed to upholding freedom of navigation in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a critical route for international oil shipments. The area has been subject to tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries, with some nations imposing sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
Iran’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz is seen as an attempt to assert its influence in the region while also protecting its economic interests. The country’s commitment to open navigation remains a key aspect of its foreign policy, despite ongoing tensions with neighboring countries and global powers.
The statement from Iravani underscores Iran’s position on the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Al Jazeera