Iran links global shipping security to political demands in new escalation

Middle East 19-04-2026 | 15:02

Iran links global shipping security to political demands in new escalation

Officials warn of consequences in key straits while linking regional shipping security to broader political demands.
Iran links global shipping security to political demands in new escalation
Ali Akbar Velayati. (AFP)
Smaller Bigger

 

Ali Akbar Velayati, advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader, stated on Sunday that “the era of imposing security from beyond the oceans has ended.”

 

He said in a post on “X”: “Today, it is not only about securing the Strait of Hormuz and Malacca under our authority and that of our strategic partners, but also the security of the Bab al-Mandab Strait is in the hands of our brothers Ansar Allah. Any sabotage will face a chain reaction.”

 

He continued: “At the farcical Paris summit, if England and France are worried about maritime navigation security, they should address the issue of the Dover Strait and end the old wound in Gibraltar. We appreciate Madrid’s independent and wise positions.”

 

 

Houthis. (AFP)
Houthis. (AFP)

 

 

As mediation efforts continue following high-level talks in Islamabad that ended without agreement, Iran reiterated that it would not permit the reopening of the strategic commercial maritime passage unless the United States lifts its blockade on its ports.

 

The Revolutionary Guard warned that any attempt to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without permission “will be considered collaboration with the enemy, and the violating ship will be targeted."