Gen. Safavi Reveals 15-Year-Old Plan to Close Strait of Hormuz

General Yahya Rahim Safavi, a senior Iranian military commander, has revealed that a plan to close the Strait of Hormuz was developed 15 years ago. The statement was made during an interview with Mehr News, where Safavi discussed strategic options available to Iran in response to potential threats.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Approximately 20% of the world's petroleum passes through the strait, making it a key strategic asset for Iran and other regional powers.

Safavi, who previously served as the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), emphasized that the plan remains viable and could be implemented if necessary. He noted that the decision to close the strait would be made at the highest levels of Iranian leadership, under the guidance of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The revelation comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly over issues related to Iran's nuclear program and regional influence. The United States has repeatedly warned against any attempt to disrupt navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which it considers a vital international waterway.

According to Mehr News, Safavi's comments underscore Iran's long-standing contingency planning for potential conflicts. The report did not provide further details on the specific circumstances under which the plan would be activated, but it highlighted the strategic importance of the strait in Iran's defense doctrine.

In recent years, Iran has conducted military exercises in the region and has occasionally threatened to block the strait in response to sanctions or military action. However, such threats have not been carried out, and Iran has continued to allow the free passage of commercial vessels through the waterway.

The Mehr News report added that General Safavi's remarks are part of a broader discussion on Iran's military capabilities and its readiness to defend its interests. The article concluded by noting that the plan, though 15 years old, remains a key component of Iran's strategic options.