Strait of Hormuz concerns only Iran and Oman, says senior Iranian commander

Major General Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to the commander-in-chief of Iran, stated in an interview with Russia's Sputnik news agency that the Strait of Hormuz is a matter solely concerning Iran and Oman, and no third party has the right to intervene in its management. "We will not allow America or European countries to take over the management of this strategic route," Rezaei was quoted as saying.

He noted that approximately 30 ships transit the strait daily and that Iran is prepared to accommodate even greater maritime traffic capacity. Rezaei also accused the United States of blocking the movement of some vessels that were scheduled to travel along pre-determined sea routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The comments come amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States over maritime security in the region.

According to the Mehr News Agency, Rezaei's remarks underscore Iran's position that regional security arrangements should be handled by littoral states without external interference.