Iran Vows to Maintain Control Over Strait of Hormuz Until Demands are Met
Mohsen Rezaee, military advisor to Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, delivered this message during an exclusive interview with state media outlet Press TV on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Rezaee emphasized that no amount of external pressure would force Iran to relinquish its hold on the international trade route.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized control of the Strait on February 28, immediately following the commencement of joint military operations by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Rezaee, a former IRGC commander, asserted that any future resolution must involve a new treaty prioritizing economic issues. "While the United States fears a protracted war, we possess both the preparation and the experience for long-term conflict," he remarked.
The standoff comes after 40 days of intense combat, which led to a two-week ceasefire starting April 8. However, high-level diplomatic talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, failed on April 11. In retaliation, the U.S. imposed a total naval blockade on Iranian ports, preventing all maritime traffic from entering or exiting. By maintaining control over the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is utilizing its most potent leverage to create a stalemate in the global energy market.
International observers and NATO allies have expressed deep concern over the escalating situation. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global oil supplies, and a prolonged blockade could trigger a catastrophic disruption to the world economy. As the April 22 ceasefire deadline approaches, the refusal of both sides to concede on maritime sovereignty has placed the Middle East on the brink of a renewed and potentially more expansive conflict.
