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Iran not going to close strait of hormuz, iran UN envoy says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 12, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 13, 2026
Quick Summary
Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, reaffirmed on March 12, 2026 that Iran will not close the Strait of Hormuz but maintains the right to ensure its security, countering recent statements by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei about leveraging the strait.
Iran States Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Open, Emphasizes Security Rights
Iran's Position on the Strait of Hormuz and Regional Security
Tehran's Assurance on Strait of Hormuz
March 12 (Reuters) - Iran's U.N. Ambassador said on Thursday Tehran was not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but added that it was Iran's right to preserve the security of the key shipping route.
Statements from Iranian Officials
Amir Saeid Iravani made his comments to reporters at the United Nations when asked about remarks by new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who said on Thursday that the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used."
Ambassador Iravani's Clarification
"We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz," Iravani said. "But it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway."
Commitment to International Maritime Law
In a prepared statement he read to reporters before responding to questions, Iravani said that "Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea.
Regional Tensions and Security Concerns
"However, the current situation in the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran's lawful exercise of its right of self-defense.
"Rather, it is the direct consequence of the destabilizing actions of the United States in launching aggression against Iran and undermining regional security."
International Responses and U.S. Position
He said he had no response to a comment by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told Sky News in an interview on Thursday that the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible.
(Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Kanishka Singh;Editing by David Ljunggren and Rosalba O'Brien)
Key Takeaways
- •Amir Saeid Iravani stressed Iran’s commitment to freedom of navigation under international law while asserting its right to secure the Strait of Hormuz. (apnews.com)
- •Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei earlier urged continued use of the strait as leverage in the conflict, a position Iravani clarified would not translate into closure. (apnews.com)
- •The U.N. Security Council recently condemned any threats to maritime navigation through the strait, reflecting growing international concern over regional instability. (al-monitor.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Iran not going to close Strait of Hormuz, Iran UN envoy says
1Is Iran planning to close the Strait of Hormuz?
No, Iran's UN ambassador stated that Tehran is not going to close the Strait of Hormuz.
2What is Iran's position on the security of the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran asserts its inherent right to preserve peace and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
3How did Iran respond to U.S. actions in the region?
Iran blamed the destabilizing actions of the U.S. for the current situation, not its own right of self-defense.
4Will Iran respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea.
5What did the Iranian UN envoy say about coalition escorts in the Strait?
The envoy had no direct response to U.S. plans for naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.
