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An adviser to Iran’s supreme leader compared control over the Strait of Hormuz to having an “atomic bomb” on Friday and said Tehran would not give up the strategic advantage.
Mohammad Mokhber said Iran had long “neglected” its position along the strait, a vital route for oil and gas shipments that Tehran shut early in the Middle East war, throwing markets into turmoil and leaving hundreds of vessels stranded.
“The Strait of Hormuz represents an opportunity as precious as an atomic bomb,” Mokhber said in a video published by Mehr news agency.
“Indeed, having in one’s hands a position that allows you to influence the global economy with a single decision is a major opportunity,” he said.
Mokhber said Iran would not “forfeit the gains of this war” and vowed to change the legal regime of the strait.
He said Iran would seek to do so through international law if possible, and unilaterally if not.
Mokhber did not specifically say Iran would charge vessels to use the waterway.
Shipping journal Lloyd’s List reported Friday that Iran had created an authority to approve transit through the Strait of Hormuz and collect tolls.
Iranian officials have previously mentioned implementing such a system.
A senior parliamentarian said in April that Tehran had received its first toll revenue from the strait.
The United States, whose joint attacks with Israel on Iran sparked the war in the Middle East, has said tolling in the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable.
The United Nations’ maritime agency has also said such tolling is unacceptable.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major bargaining chip in negotiations to end the war.
Iran is currently weighing a U.S. proposal to extend the current truce in the Gulf to allow talks on a final settlement of the conflict.
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