Siena:Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, who leads the Shaheed Hajj Qassem Soleimani Research Institute of Sacred Defense Sciences and Teachings, outlined Iran's strategic approach to the Strait of Hormuz in response to a US naval blockade. He emphasized the significance of intelligent management of the strait, which he described as an integral part of Iran's territorial waters and a right both legally and geographically.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Safavi stated that while Iran does not seek to escalate tensions, it is committed to exercising its sovereignty, especially when the passage is used for transporting military equipment that threatens Iran's national security. In such cases, managing and restricting traffic through the strait becomes a strategic responsibility.

He refuted claims that alternative routes and pipelines had diminished the strait's importance, asserting it remains a critical chokepoint in global energy networks. Safavi highlighted that over 20% of the world's oil and energy supplies still transit through this waterway, with its significance increasing amid unstable global markets.

Safavi clarified that Iran's strategy involves managing the strait rather than closing it, with the aim of countering the US naval blockade and addressing maritime sanctions. The approach seeks to foster lasting regional peace and security through collaboration with neighboring countries.

The meeting, where Safavi shared these insights, was hosted by the Strategic Geography Research Group at the institute's Sacred Defense Research Center, and included participation from defense, legal, and geopolitical experts.