Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, made a notable statement on July 14, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz is the real guarantor of any nuclear deal involving Iran.
Speaking at a conference in Tehran, Velayati emphasized: “Any nuclear agreement needs a real guarantor, and that is the Strait of Hormuz. This strait can control the flow of energy and is Iran's strategic tool in all negotiations.”
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most important oil shipping lanes, with about 20% of global oil passing through it.
The remarks come as nuclear talks between Tehran and world powers remain deadlocked. Iran has long warned it could close the strait if its interests are threatened.
Velayati, a close confidant of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, also criticized Western powers for failing to honor commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA).
“Iran will not accept any deal without a solid guarantee mechanism, and the Strait of Hormuz is the most effective guarantee tool,” he added.
Analysts view Velayati's statement as a reminder to Washington and European partners that Tehran is ready to use its geopolitical weapon to pressure nuclear negotiations.
