Tehran insists strategic waterway remains central to its leverage as indirect negotiations continue in Doha
TEHRAN, Iran, July 1 Iran has described the Strait of Hormuz as its “greatest instrument of power,” underscoring the strategic importance of the vital shipping route as indirect negotiations between Iranian and U.S. officials continue in Doha, Qatar.
According to Al Jazeera, Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the waterway remains Tehran’s strongest source of leverage, signalling that control over the strait will remain a key issue in any future negotiations with the United States.
The remarks come as lower-level Iranian and U.S. officials engage in indirect technical talks in Doha through Qatari mediators. While senior negotiators are not meeting face to face, the discussions are aimed at addressing issues surrounding regional security, maritime navigation and broader efforts to prevent renewed conflict.
Al Jazeera also reported that a foreign container ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz after entering shallow waters outside the shipping route designated by Iranian authorities. The incident highlighted the continued sensitivity surrounding one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
Tehran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains under its authority and has repeatedly rejected proposals for third-party oversight of the waterway. Iranian officials argue that the country’s geographic position gives it a legitimate role in regulating navigation through the narrow passage, while the United States and its allies continue to advocate for unrestricted international maritime access.
The latest developments come amid cautious diplomatic efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire and reduce tensions following months of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Although the Doha negotiations have kept communication channels open, significant differences remain over maritime security, sanctions, regional stability and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
Source: Al Jazeera.
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