US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Alireza Salimi, a member of Iran’s parliament’s presiding board, stated that the strategic value of the Strait of Hormuz surpasses that of nuclear weapons, describing the waterway as a “blessing” that allows Tehran to effectively counter international pressure, demand compensation, and address sanctions.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Iran Lawmaker Claims Hormuz More Valuable than Nuclear Weapons
Iranian lawmaker Alireza Salimi stated that the Strait of Hormuz holds greater strategic value for Iran than pursuing nuclear weapons, calling the waterway a “blessing that God has placed in Iran’s hands.” Salimi, a member of the Iranian parliament’s Presiding Board, emphasized that control over this critical maritime chokepoint provides the country with unparalleled leverage against international adversaries.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Strait of Hormuz Strategic Value & ‘The Blessing’
Alireza Salimi made these remarks during an interview; his key points highlighted how Iran views the waterway as an economic and political shield:
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Leverage Against Sanctions: Salimi argued that maintaining control over the strait enables Tehran to directly resolve issues regarding international economic sanctions and demand financial compensation.
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Retaliation Capabilities: The waterway serves as a tool for retaliation against external military or political pressure.
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Exploiting US Actions: He stated that recent actions taken by the United States have inadvertently “opened the way” and created additional opportunities for Iran to maximize its strategic control over the waterway.
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A Call for Measured Use: While praising its strategic utility, Salimi cautioned that Iran must use its dominance over the strait properly and avoid abusing its leverage.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Context of Global Escalation
Alireza Salimi’s statements align with a broader rhetoric among Iranian officials who equate maritime control to mass deterrence. Other Iranian leaders have similarly compared control of the Strait of Hormuz to “the level of an atomic bomb” due to its power to disrupt the global economy with a single decision.
This commentary emerges amidst high geopolitical friction, as peace talks between the United States and Iran have stalled. A primary point of contention in these deadlocked negotiations remains Washington’s demands for free navigation through the oil route alongside limits on Iran’s nuclear program, demands that Tehran continues to reject while asserting its authority over the strait.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: The Chokehold on Global Commerce
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical maritime energy bottleneck, and Iran’s asymmetric military capabilities have successfully exploited its tight geography:
The 33-kilometre-wide corridor accommodates roughly 20% of global oil supplies and 20% of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Disruption has crippled maritime transit, triggering a 95% drop in tanker traffic and spiking global fuel and fertiliser costs.
The shipping lanes sit entirely within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman. By utilizing anti-ship missiles, fast attack boats, drones, and naval mines, Iran can easily paralyse commercial shipping or drive vessel insurance rates to unaffordable levels.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: ‘Hormuz Strait Security Action Plan’
To legally solidify this maritime chokehold, the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee approved the outlines of a Strategic Action Plan designed to govern the Persian Gulf and the strait.
This framework establishes a long-term mechanism to enforce maritime control, potentially introducing transit tolls, regular vessel seizures, or permanent security zones. Tehran’s military establishment is adjusting to the reality that it can inflict severe economic punishment on the global stage without ever enriching weapons-grade uranium.
