WANA (Apr 19) – Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, has announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed as long as the United States continues its “maritime piracy.”

 

The lawmaker emphasized that Iran is now reclaiming its “inherent right” to collect transit fees from vessels passing through the strategic waterway.

 

Counter-Blockade and Economic Leverage

Boroujerdi stated that the current situation was initiated by U.S. interference with ships traveling to and from Iran, describing these actions as “blackmail” and an attempt to restore lost American prestige.

 

“In response, the justified threat of the IRGC and the Navy has become operational, and vessel traffic in the south has been restricted,” Boroujerdi said. He noted that the only exceptions are military units from “non-hostile countries.”

 

He characterized the closure as a legitimate lever of pressure against the U.S. and the global economy, warning that the halt of fuel and goods would trigger a global economic crisis and a spike in oil prices.

 

From a “Four-Day War” to a 40-Day Conflict

The representative noted that U.S. strategic miscalculations have failed. “The Americans intended a ‘Venezuela model’ and a war designed for four days, but it has lasted over 40 days,” Boroujerdi remarked.

 

He claimed that U.S. desperation has led them to seek mediation through Pakistan, Japan, and South Korea.

 

New Transit Fee Policy: “The Panama Model”

Boroujerdi argued that Iran has historically neglected its right to collect transit tolls, a practice common in the Panama Canal, Turkey, and Egypt.

 

The Proposal: Iran intends to charge fees for passage—citing the example of $1 per barrel of oil, or $2 million for a 2-million-barrel tanker.

 

National Interest: He stated that while the Navy ensures regional security and rescues ships from pirates, there is no reason to provide these services for free. “The world must accept that Iran is a partner in the revenue sharing of the Strait of Hormuz.”

 

Strengthening the National Currency: “Digital Rial”

A key part of the new strategy involves requiring transit fees to be paid in Iranian Rial to boost the national currency. Boroujerdi called on the Central Bank to introduce the “Digital Rial” into the monetary cycle, comparing the move to China’s push for the “Petro-Yuan” over the “Petro-Dollar.”

 

Military Superiority and Nuclear Capability

The lawmaker highlighted recent Iranian military successes, claiming that U.S. aircraft carriers have fled the region and that American AWACS and bases have been struck for the first time in history. He also referenced a “miserable defeat” for the U.S. during recent operations in Isfahan.

 

Regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Boroujerdi stated: “We have mastered nuclear knowledge from A to Z. We can build a bomb, but we do not, because based on Sharia and Islamic standards, mass killing is unacceptable. The Americans must know we have this capability.”

 

Negotiations on Condition of Sanctions Removal

In his concluding remarks, Boroujerdi affirmed that while all wars eventually end at the negotiating table, Iran will only negotiate from a position of strength.

 

“We will negotiate with the U.S., but on the condition that they lift the sanctions, write it down, and sign it,” he said, emphasizing that the “Second and Third Imposed Wars” have permanently shifted the global perception of Iran from “weak” to “powerful.”