Iran Cautions Strait of Hormuz Stability Tied to Oil Export Restrictions

(MENAFN) Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has cautioned that maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz cannot be maintained if restrictions on Iranian oil exports continue.

In remarks shared on the social media platform X, he argued that pressure on Iran’s energy exports would have broader consequences for regional stability.

“No one can restrict Iran’s oil exports while expecting free security for others,” Aref said, according to reports.

He added, “The security of the Strait of Hormuz is not free,” emphasizing that access and stability in the waterway are tied to wider political and economic conditions.

Aref also presented what he described as two possible outcomes for the global energy market: either unrestricted oil trade for all participants or rising costs affecting all sides. “a free oil market for all” or “significant costs for everyone.”

According to his remarks, global fuel price stability would require what he called a “guaranteed and lasting end to the economic and military pressure against Iran and its allies.”

In the broader backdrop of regional tensions, earlier developments included a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, which led Tehran to respond with strikes targeting Israel and other regional sites hosting US-related forces.

According to reports, the resulting conflict caused more than 3,300 fatalities before a two-week ceasefire was reached on April 8 through mediation efforts involving Pakistan.

Following the truce, both sides entered diplomatic discussions, with a first round of talks held on April 11–12 in Islamabad that concluded without an agreement. Preparations are now underway for another round scheduled to take place in the same city.

Meanwhile, the US introduced a naval blockade on Iran on April 13, further intensifying tensions surrounding regional maritime routes and energy exports.

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