WANA (Aug 28) – Ebrahim Azizi, Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, declared that no vessel can pass through the Strait of Hormuz without explicit authorization from Iran’s armed forces, specifically the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.

 

In a comprehensive speech detailing Iran’s strategic positioning following recent multi-front clashes—which he termed the “12-Day War” and the “Ramadan War”—Azizi outlined Iran’s military, geopolitical, and diplomatic stance against the United States.

 

Maritime Control and Legislation for Hormuz

Regarding operational control of the strategic waterway, Azizi emphasized that all entry and exit of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains under the direct surveillance and permission of Iran’s armed forces.

 

To formalize this approach, the Iranian Parliament is currently advancing a bill titled the “Security and Development of the Strait of Hormuz” to establish a comprehensive legal framework covering the waterway’s political, economic, and defense dimensions.

 

Furthermore, Azizi noted that ongoing discussions with Oman regarding maritime traffic are proceeding within a defined structure. He asserted that vessel movement through designated channels will only be permitted under Iranian monitoring once the U.S. formally commits to and accepts Iran’s conditions.

 

U.S. Strategy and the Concept of Hybrid Warfare

Analyzing Washington’s broad approach to Iran, Azizi argued that the U.S. operates on a tripartite strategy consisting of “negotiation and agreement,” “war and crisis,” and “pressure,” which he claimed targets foundational Islamic principles alongside state institutions.

 

He highlighted that modern warfare has blurred the lines between peace and conflict, evolving into a complex “hybrid warfare.” This approach combines economic sanctions, psychological operations, cyber threats, and technological competition to erode domestic decision-making and social cohesion.

 

Recalling past diplomatic exchanges, Azizi referenced an ultimatum sent by U.S. President Donald Trump via UAE diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash, which demanded unconditional negotiations on missiles, regional policy, and nuclear programs under threat of war.

 

He stated that Iran’s firm response restricted any potential future dialogue strictly to nuclear assurances under explicit Iranian preconditions.

 

Asymmetric Deterrence and Regional Security Shifts

Addressing geopolitical shifts in the region, Azizi maintained that Iran’s defense doctrine relies on asymmetric warfare to impose continuous, high costs on U.S. operations by leveraging geographic advantages and key choke points.

 

He claimed recent developments demonstrate that relying on foreign U.S. military backing fails to guarantee security for regional states, urging a shift toward indigenous regional security arrangements.

 

Additionally, the lawmaker dismissed assertions that regional allied groups in Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq have been neutralized, stating that the Axis of Resistance retains its full operational capabilities and will not disarm.

 

Redefining Diplomacy from a Position of Strength

Concluding his address, Azizi laid out the conditions for any prospective diplomatic engagements, asserting that Iran will only enter talks from a position of strength and after Washington acknowledges the failure of its pressure tactics.

 

He reiterated that while defense capabilities and regional policies remain strictly off the negotiation table, any future dialogue must reflect the reality of Iran’s regional position and security interests.