Iran Confirms Strait of Hormuz Open Amid Tensions

Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz was clarified by Dr. Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, who stated that the strait remains open for shipping despite the prevailing conditions in West Asia. He emphasized that Iran does not intend to block the strait, which is crucial for global oil transport, particularly for India.

The situation escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israeli airstrike, leading to heightened tensions in the region. Iran's military headquarters, Khatam al-Anbiya, warned of severe retaliation against any attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new supreme leader, described the potential closure of the strait as a pressure tactic. Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, reiterated the country's commitment to preserving peace and security in the waterway, asserting that current tensions do not stem from Iran's actions but rather from external conflicts, particularly involving the U.S. and Israel.