Tehran: Security of Hormuz Depends on Iran's Oil Export Freedom

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned on Monday (20/4) that security in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed if Iran’s oil exports remain restricted. “No one can restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref said via the X platform. “The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free,” he added. Aref stated that the world faces a choice between “a free oil market for all” or “a high cost for all parties.” He also asserted that the stability of global fuel prices depends on “the guaranteed and sustainable cessation of economic and military pressure on Iran and its allies.” On 28 February, the United States (US) and Israel launched joint attacks against Iran, which Tehran later retaliated against by striking Israeli territory and other regional countries hosting US military assets. The US-Israeli operation killed more than 3,300 people before Washington and Tehran announced a two-week ceasefire on 8 April, mediated by Pakistan. Both sides are now preparing for the second round of negotiations in Islamabad on Tuesday (21/4), after talks on 11–12 April ended without agreement. The US imposed a naval blockade on Iran on 13 April.