Iran asserts 'firm control' over Hormuz, rejects foreign intervention

2026-03-23 - 20:39

Iran declared Monday that it maintains "firm control" over the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that regional security requires no foreign involvement. The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, carried by state-run Press TV, underscored Tehran's determination to manage the strategic waterway on its own terms. No need for mines "With this level of power, there is no need to lay mines," the military command said, adding that security will be maintained "by whatever means necessary." The statement emphasized that Iran's armed forces and regional partners "can secure the Persian Gulf against American and Israeli threats," stressing that "foreign powers have no right to interfere." Strategic waterway disrupted The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively disrupted since early March, with approximately 20 million barrels of oil normally passing through daily. The closure has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher. Iran's assertion of control comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli offensive against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Ongoing retaliation Tehran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. Iran's latest statement reinforces its position that Gulf security is a regional matter, rejecting any foreign intervention as the conflict enters its fourth week with no diplomatic resolution in sight.