Iran will not back down from Strait of Hormuz at any cost, top official says
Tehran (ISNA) - Speaking at the start of a council meeting, Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani offered condolences on the Islamic commemorations of the passing of the Prophet Muhammad and the martyrdom of Imams Hassan and Reza. Marking over five months since the death of the late Leader of the Revolution, Amoli Larijani commemorated his legacy alongside high-ranking military commanders, government officials, and council members who lost their lives in recent conflict, including Maj. Gen. Mousavi, Admiral Shamkhani, Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, and Dr. Ali Larijani.
Rejection of U.S. demands and emphasis on national resilience
Amoli Larijani praised the Iranian public and armed forces for their endurance throughout six months of conflict, pointing out that initial American expectations of a swift surrender have failed.
Referencing rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump at the onset of the war demanding "unconditional surrender," Amoli Larijani asserted that history's aggressors inevitably face downfall, calling Trump and Israeli leadership war criminals under international law due to casualties and infrastructure destruction across Iranian cities such as Minab and Lamerd.
He emphasized that attempts to dismantle the Islamic Republic, partition the country, or destroy its armed forces, missile power, and nuclear technology have completely failed.
Sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and conditions for transit
Addressing maritime security and sovereignty over the Persian Gulf transit corridor, Amoli Larijani underscored Tehran's firm stance.
"The Iranian nation and the armed forces stand firmly by the Strait of Hormuz, and sovereignty over this waterway belongs to the Islamic Republic," Amoli Larijani stated. "We will not retreat at any cost, and the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its previous status. If they desire free transit, they must comply with the conditions of the memorandum of understanding."
Calls for national unity and council internal elections
Concluding his remarks, the Expediency Council Chairman called on government branches to intensify efforts to alleviate domestic economic hardships caused by foreign blockades and sanctions, stressing that national cohesion around the country's leadership remains essential.
Following the opening statement, Abbasali Kadkhodaei, head of the council's secretariat, announced internal elections to fill vacancies left by deceased members. Council members subsequently voted to select new representatives for the Supreme Oversight Board as well as the Political, Security, and Defense Committee.
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