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By Reflecto News Staff
April 18, 2026
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has issued a strong assertion of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that control of the critical waterway “is in our hands.” In remarks reported by Iranian state media and international outlets, Aref emphasized that Iran will secure its rights in the Persian Gulf either “at the negotiating table or on the battlefield.”
The statement comes amid escalating maritime tensions, including recent gunfire incidents involving merchant vessels (including Indian-flagged ships), Iran’s reimposition of military controls on the strait, and ongoing U.S. naval operations enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports.
Strategic map of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow chokepoint between Iran and Oman through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade passes daily.
Full Context of Aref’s Statement
According to Press TV and Al Jazeera reports, Aref declared:
“The management of the Strait of Hormuz is with Iran, and this is a legal right of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We will establish our rights either at the negotiating table or on the battlefield.”
He added that Iran is not seeking to prolong conflict but will defend its interests if they are not secured. Aref noted that Iran’s role in managing the strait has changed following recent developments, framing it as a response to what Tehran calls U.S. “piracy” and the ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports.
This rhetoric aligns with earlier warnings from Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who stated that Iran’s navy stands ready to inflict “new bitter defeats” on the U.S. and Israel.
Iranian IRGC Navy fast-attack craft and larger vessels, which form the backbone of Iran’s asymmetric naval strategy in the confined waters of the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf.
Recent Developments in the Strait of Hormuz
The declaration follows:
- Reports of gunfire on at least two merchant vessels, including Indian-flagged ships, prompting India to summon Iran’s ambassador.
- U.S. preparations (per WSJ reports) to board and seize Iran-linked oil tankers and commercial ships in international waters as part of an expanded “Economic Fury” campaign.
- Iran’s reversal of an earlier decision to fully reopen the strait, citing the continued U.S. blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint: any sustained disruption could spike global oil prices, raise shipping insurance costs, and affect energy security for major importers like India, China, and Europe.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose recent naval warnings have been echoed by senior officials including Vice President Aref.
Broader Implications
Aref’s comments reinforce Iran’s long-standing position that it holds de facto leverage over one of the world’s most vital energy arteries. While Iran has historically avoided fully closing the strait (which would harm its own oil exports), it frequently uses the threat of disruption as a deterrent.
This latest statement comes as:
- U.S.-Iran nuclear talks remain stalled over key issues like uranium enrichment duration.
- Fragile ceasefires hold in other parts of the region, including the 10-day Israel-Lebanon truce.
- Global powers monitor risks to freedom of navigation in international waters.
Analysts note that such declarations serve both domestic and diplomatic purposes: bolstering Iranian resolve while signaling to the U.S. and its allies that Tehran will not yield under pressure.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, any further maritime incidents, diplomatic responses from the U.S., India, or other nations, and potential impacts on global energy markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Mohammad Reza Aref?
Mohammad Reza Aref is Iran’s First Vice President, serving under President Masoud Pezeshkian. He made the remarks on April 18, 2026, regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz.
What exactly did Aref say?
He stated that control and management of the Strait of Hormuz belong to Iran as a legal right, and that Iran will secure its interests either through negotiations or on the battlefield if necessary.
Is this a threat to close the Strait of Hormuz?
Aref asserted Iranian control but framed it as a defensive right rather than an immediate closure. Iran has previously reversed decisions to reopen the strait in response to U.S. actions.
How does this relate to recent incidents?
It follows reports of gunfire on merchant vessels in the strait, India’s diplomatic protest, and U.S. plans to expand interdictions of Iran-linked tankers.
What is the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz?
It is the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Approximately 20% of global oil trade passes through it daily, making any disruption a major risk to energy prices and supply chains.
Has Iran closed the strait before?
Iran has threatened closure in past crises but has generally kept it open for commercial traffic, using targeted restrictions or threats as leverage.
For the latest updates on U.S.-Iran tensions, maritime security in the Gulf, and developments in the Strait of Hormuz, stay with Reflecto News — delivering accurate, timely, and balanced international coverage.
All information is based on official Iranian statements, Al Jazeera, Press TV, Reuters, and other verified reports as of April 18, 2026.
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