Iran VP calls for national unity against enemies

Iranian Vice President Mohammadreza Aref called for strengthening national unity and cohesion against enemies during a meeting with officials from the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs on Tuesday. He highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Tehran would retain control over the waterway and that vessels using it should contribute to the cost of services provided by the Islamic Republic to ensure safe navigation.

Aref noted that Iran has made significant sacrifices throughout its history to secure its rights in the strait and is now seeking to fully benefit from those rights. He warned that without Iran's measures, ships could face risks such as naval mines and environmental hazards. His remarks come amid ongoing regional discussions over maritime security and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.

Iran and Oman have recently been working to establish a mechanism for managing navigation and security in the waterway. On June 14, Iran and the United States finalized the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the war. The MoU contributed to a temporary reopening of the strait and an end to the US naval blockade against Iran. Iran had shut down the strait to its enemies and their allies after what it described as unprovoked US-Israeli aggression. Iranian authorities began enforcing much stricter controls in April following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a blockade targeting Iranian vessels and ports.

According to Mehr News, Aref's statements underscore Iran's position on maintaining sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of national unity in the face of external threats.