Mojtaba Khamenei says new Strait of Hormuz management ‘will bring calm’

DUBAI: Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said a “new management” of the Strait of Hormuz would bring calm and economic benefits to the region, in a written message published on Thursday, as tensions continue in the Gulf following the Iran war with the United States and Israel.

Khamenei said a new chapter for the Gulf and the strategic waterway had begun since the conflict erupted on February 28, adding that Iran would ensure security in the region and end what he called “enemy abuses” of the shipping route.

“The new management of the Strait of Hormuz will bring calm, progress and economic benefits to all Gulf nations,” he said.

The remarks come amid heightened concern over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, through which a large share of global crude exports passes.

Tensions in the region have disrupted shipping flows and contributed to volatility in global energy markets, with oil prices rising sharply in recent weeks.

Iran has previously signalled greater control over maritime traffic in the Gulf in response to escalating geopolitical pressure, while Western powers have warned against any restrictions on navigation through the strait.