Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that the Middle East “does not need a gendarme,” referring to the United States, with which Iran has been in conflict, particularly over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz. This statement was made during a meeting in India with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.
Pezeshkian asserted that “the territorial integrity and security of the region can only be guaranteed by its key actors and the countries that comprise it.”
The backdrop of his remarks includes the escalation of hostilities, with Iran having been attacked by the U.S. and Israel on February 28. In retaliation, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas previously transited.
This strategic maritime route, which was once free and open for global trade, has become a significant conflict point since the onset of hostilities. Iran now requires vessels to obtain authorization from its authorities and is considering implementing a service fee mechanism.
Ships that fail to comply are regularly targeted by Iranian strikes, while the U.S. has sporadically bombed Iranian coastal areas.
Pezeshkian emphasized, “Despite all the injustices our people have endured, we do not seek war, nor its continuation. Peace remains our priority,” according to statements from the Iranian presidency.
Six months into the conflict, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive up oil prices, which have risen above the symbolic threshold of $100 per barrel this week.
