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Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician tells BBC

April 19, 2026

A senior Iranian lawmaker and former Revolutionary Guards commander has announced that Iran will never relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it an "inalienable right" that the country plans to formalize through new legislation. Iran views its ability to control this strategic waterway, through which critical oil and gas shipments pass, as both a wartime asset and long-term leverage for restoring deterrence after recent conflicts. While neighboring Gulf states condemn Iran's actions as "hostile piracy" and the U.S. demands the strait be reopened, Iranian officials insist they will maintain control over vessel permissions and transit routes.

Who is affected

  • Iran (government, military, and Revolutionary Guards Corps)
  • United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states (excluding Oman)
  • Oman (Iran's regional ally controlling the southern coast of the strait)
  • United States (military and diplomatic personnel)
  • Iranian citizens (facing internet blackouts and arrests)
  • International shipping companies and vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz
  • Protesters detained during January's nationwide demonstrations in Iran
  • Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (criticized by IRGC-linked outlets)
  • Human rights organizations like Amnesty International

What action is being taken

  • Iranian parliament is introducing a bill to formalize control of the Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran is controlling passage of vessels through the strait, requiring authorization from IRGC navy, designated routes, and toll payments
  • The U.S. is maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports
  • Iran is enforcing a near-total digital blackout/internet ban on its citizens
  • Iranian authorities are conducting waves of arrests and executions of protesters
  • High-level talks between Iran and the U.S. are reportedly set to resume in Islamabad

Why it matters

  • The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategic waterways, essential for global oil and gas shipments, and its closure or restricted access creates significant economic shocks worldwide. Iran's assertion of permanent control sets a dangerous precedent for international waters and other strategic maritime passages globally, fundamentally challenging principles of freedom of navigation. This situation reflects a broader shift in Iran's post-war strategic posture, where the country seeks to restore deterrence and maintain long-term leverage rather than view the strait as merely a temporary bargaining chip. The crisis has shattered regional cooperation among Gulf states and intensified tensions with the United States, making this a protracted conflict rather than a short-term dispute.

What's next

  • High-level talks between Iran and the United States are reportedly set to resume in Islamabad on Tuesday
  • A U.S. delegation headed by Vice-President JD Vance is expected to attend
  • Iran's participation remains uncertain, with local media reporting Iran won't attend as long as the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues
  • Iran's parliament will vote on the proposed bill to formalize control of the Strait of Hormuz
  • The fate of the strait will be decided at senior state levels during ongoing negotiations

Read full article from source: BBC

Tehran will never cede control of Strait of Hormuz, senior Iranian politician tells BBC