Tehran, April 30 — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Persian Gulf should not be used to enforce foreign agendas, criticizing U.S. actions amid tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on Persian Gulf National Day, he warned that any attempt to impose a maritime blockade or restrictions on Iran would fail.
In posts on X, Pezeshkian described the Strait of Hormuz as a symbol of national sovereignty and emphasized Iran’s role in regional security, calling the country the guardian of safety for the Gulf and its shipping lanes. He praised the courage of Iran’s naval forces as proof of Tehran’s decisive role in protecting critical energy routes.
Pezeshkian said adversaries have shifted pressure to economic and maritime arenas and argued that any naval blockade or curbs on Iran’s maritime trade would violate international law. He added that the United States and the ‘Zionist regime’ would be held responsible for any instability in the Persian Gulf.
On April 26, according to Mehr News Agency, Pezeshkian said Iran would not negotiate under pressure, threats, or siege, accusing Washington’s maritime measures of breaching ceasefire understandings and the U.N. Charter and of eroding confidence in U.S. commitment to diplomacy.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has also criticized U.S. policy, saying the Trump administration moved from ‘managing the world’s energy’ to a strategy of disruption and alleging a maritime blockade was intended to contain China, Russia, and Europe. In an X post, the IRGC claimed that after about 20 days the White House assessment shows the effort has failed and that Tehran has become the focal point of a coalition resisting disruption.
Pezeshkian’s remarks reflect heightened rhetoric over maritime security in the region and signal Tehran’s rejection of external attempts to control Gulf waters or restrict its commerce.
