Iran signals new Hormuz strategy
Leader of the Islamic Revolution announces controls and rejects foreign presence
The leader of the Islamic Revolution announced a "new chapter" for the Strait of Hormuz, saying Tehran will implement new management rules for the strategic waterway in response to recent US–Israeli attacks. In his message for National Persian Gulf Day, he framed the Persian gulf as an essential regional asset shaped by centuries of resistance to foreign powers and said Iran has long borne the greatest sacrifices to defend it.
He portrayed recent military action against Iran as a failed large-scale aggression and credited Iranian naval forces, the army, the IRGC, and local populations with demonstrating vigilance and resolve over the past two months. He accused the United States of being the main source of regional insecurity, claiming American bases lack the capacity to protect themselves or regional partners, and pointed to Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone strikes as evidence of US vulnerability.
The leader predicted a future Persian Gulf without US presence, serving regional prosperity, and said foreigners who perpetrate violence from afar "have no place" there. He described a broad national mobilization—citing millions who pledged readiness to sacrifice—and positioned Iran’s scientific, industrial, and military capabilities as national assets to be defended.
As part of its response, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping links to what it calls aggressor countries and their supporters.
