Iranian officials have reiterated that Tehran’s position on ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz is not temporary and that the country will not retreat from its stance. The warning came from Dr. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, in a breaking statement carried by IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting).
Gharibabadi emphasized that the “process of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is NOT a temporary process.” In other words, Iran is signaling that any measures, oversight, or procedures it is applying regarding maritime movement in the strategic waterway should be understood as enduring rather than a short-term response. His language suggests that Iran intends to maintain whatever framework it is pursuing for the foreseeable future.
The Strait of Hormuz is widely regarded as one of the world’s most important chokepoints for global energy and maritime trade. Ships carrying oil and gas pass through the narrow strait as they move between the Persian Gulf and the wider seas. Because of its strategic importance, any change in how ships transit the area can quickly become a major focus for regional security, international shipping, and global energy markets.
Gharibabadi’s remarks also contained a clear message of resolve. He stated that Iran will not “back down” from its approach to the Strait of Hormuz. This indicates that Iran expects to face external pressure—diplomatic or otherwise—and is preemptively rejecting the idea that it would reverse course under that pressure.
While the statement centers on Iran’s determination, it also implicitly highlights the broader geopolitical tension surrounding control, navigation, and security in the region. The Strait of Hormuz has been the subject of repeated disputes and heightened tensions in past years, often involving disagreements over maritime security, sanctions-related pressures, and how regional actors manage risks to shipping.
By describing the transit process as permanent, Iran’s deputy foreign minister is effectively narrowing the scope for international expectations that the policy could end quickly. That framing may influence how other governments, shipping operators, and maritime insurers plan for risk. If Iran intends for its approach to continue, then stakeholders may anticipate longer-term operational adjustments or compliance requirements tied to Iran’s interpretation of maritime governance in the strait.
The statement’s emphasis on permanence and non-retreat is also likely aimed at domestic and international audiences. For domestic audiences, it signals that Iranian authorities consider the issue tied to sovereignty and national strategy. For international audiences, it communicates that Iran does not view the Strait of Hormuz transit approach as negotiable on a near-term timeline.
IRIB’s coverage presents the message as urgent—described as “BREAKING”—and frames it as a direct declaration from a senior Iranian foreign policy figure. The selection of a deputy foreign minister also underscores the diplomatic significance of the issue, rather than presenting it as a purely operational maritime claim.
Overall, the news story conveys a firm Iranian posture regarding maritime transits through the Strait of Hormuz. Dr. Kazem Gharibabadi’s statement draws two primary conclusions: first, that Iran’s ship-transit process is ongoing and will not be treated as temporary; and second, that Iran will continue forward with its approach despite likely criticism or pressure from external actors.
As tensions around the Strait of Hormuz remain a persistent concern for the region and global shipping lanes, the deputy foreign minister’s wording suggests that Iran intends to maintain its position rather than yield to calls for rollback. The message, as reported, is meant to leave no ambiguity about Iran’s resolve: the process is enduring, and Iran will not back down.
Source: IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting).
IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting): 🚨BREAKING Dr. Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran: ‘The process of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is NOT a temporary process and Iran will not back down from it.’. #breaking
— @iribnews_irib May 1, 2026
SHOP AMAZON BEST SELLERS, CLICK TO BUY FROM AMAZON.
SHOP AMAZON BEST SELLERS, CLICK TO BUY FROM AMAZON.
