TEHRAN — Mohsen Rezaei, a senior advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader and former commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has asserted that Iran must maintain absolute control over the Strait of Hormuz to prevent foreign powers from weaponizing the strategic waterway against the nation.
Speaking to the state-run ISNA news agency, Rezaei, who currently serves on Iran’s Expediency Council, issued a stern warning to international rivals. He argued that any loss of Iranian management over the strait would allow “enemies” to use the corridor as a tool of aggression against the Iranian people.
Regional Security and Foreign Presence
Rezaei emphasized a “regionalist” approach to security, suggesting that Middle Eastern stability should be managed exclusively by local nations.
Foreign Withdrawal: He explicitly called for the exit of American and European forces from the region.
The Iranian Model: Rezaei maintained that the security of the Middle East is best served when external actors are not involved in its maritime or territorial affairs.
Stance on Nuclear Negotiations
Beyond maritime security, the senior advisor took a hardline stance on diplomacy. He stated that Iran would not engage in further negotiations regarding its nuclear program, signaling a potential tightening of Tehran’s foreign policy.
This statement follows earlier comments from Rezaei indicating that Iran’s military remains on “high alert,” describing the current posture as having a “finger on the trigger.”
