Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has stressed that lasting security in the Persian Gulf depends on cooperation and shared responsibility among countries in the region.
Speaking on World Maritime Day, Pezeshkian highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to regional stability, global trade and economic activity. He said maritime security, ports and shipping routes were essential for economic development and the continuity of trade.
Pezeshkian said Iran was committed to maintaining security and stability in regional waterways and protecting maritime shipping and commercial activity. He added that Iran would rely on its naval capabilities and maritime institutions to fulfil this responsibility.
Iranian Army Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari also described the maritime sector as a key element of national strength, particularly for trade, energy security and supply chains. He said recent developments had demonstrated the importance of Iran’s maritime capabilities.
Separately, Iranian Defence Ministry spokesperson General Talaei-Nik said Tehran was seeking peace while defending what it considers its legitimate rights, security and national interests. He said recognition of Iran’s rights could help create conditions for ending the ongoing conflict.
Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz after the UK Maritime Trade Operations centre reported that a tanker had been struck by an unidentified projectile. Authorities were investigating the incident, while vessels were advised to proceed with caution and report suspicious activity.
Diplomatic efforts are also continuing between Iran and the United States through Qatari mediation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi received Washington’s response to a seven-day confidence-building proposal aimed at easing tensions and restoring normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal reportedly seeks to revive an earlier understanding covering Iran’s nuclear programme and the strait. The main disagreement between Tehran and Washington is reportedly over the sequence in which proposed measures should be implemented.
Iranian officials said the US response had been received and presented to President Pezeshkian as diplomatic efforts continued to break the deadlock.
China has also called on Tehran and Washington to return to the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and resume negotiations. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing supported resolving the dispute through political and diplomatic means and would continue efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region.
