Strait of Hormuz closure linked to curbing Israel: Expert

With the recent Iran–US Memorandum of Understanding explicitly stipulating in its very first clause a cessation of all hostilities on every front, including Lebanon, the continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have not only challenged the spirit of the agreement but its literal text. This glaring contradiction between Washington's promises and the reality on the ground raises an urgent question: what enforcement power does the MoU actually carry, and how should the Islamic Republic of Iran respond to its systematic violation by Tel Aviv? To examine these dimensions, Mehr News Agency conducted an interview with regional affairs expert Javid Rana.

Rana stated that Israel has been systematically trying to derail the peace process. He noted that whenever progress was made in talks, Israel carried out attacks in Beirut, forcing Iran to respond by attacking northern Israel for the first time, establishing a new strategic paradigm. He argued that Israel knows a finalized deal would make Iran a military and economic giant, preventing Israel from pursuing its expansionist agenda. Rana emphasized that ceasefire agreements mean nothing to Israel, and only military might can stop its territorial expansion.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Rana said its closure is a good step and a reminder to the Americans to stop Israel from attacking Hezbollah and the Lebanese people. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with 1.2 to 3 million displaced and over 75,000 units destroyed. He warned that if the Strait is reopened without Israel ending its aggression, Iran would lose its leverage.

Rana criticized the US for failing to control Israel, suggesting that Donald Trump is being blackmailed by Mossad due to sex scandals. He advised Iran not to trust American words until actions are taken, such as suspending military aid to Israel. He recommended that Iranian negotiators make the cessation of Israeli aggression in Lebanon a precondition for further talks.

On diplomatic measures, Rana urged Iran to highlight the scale of the tragedy in Lebanon to international media and link progress in negotiations to Israel's withdrawal. He proposed that Hezbollah could withdraw from southern Lebanon if replaced by an international peacekeeping force or troops from regional Muslim countries. He also warned that Iran should be prepared for a direct war with Israel, given the extremist nature of Israeli society, and should build international pressure to prevent US support for Israel. Additionally, he advised Iran to warn Gulf states against aiding Israel.

According to Mehr News Agency, Rana concluded that the MoU is a surrendered deal in Iran's favor, but Iran must ensure Israel ceases hostilities before reopening the Strait of Hormuz.