TEHRAN, May 5: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Tuesday said that the United States’ influence in the region will “diminish,” as the tensions escalated over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy and shipping route.
In a post on social media, Ghalibaf accused the US and its allies of jeopardising maritime security by violating a ceasefire and imposing restrictions that he described as a blockade on shipping activity.
“A new equation of the Strait of Hormuz is in the process of being solidified,” he said, adding that “the continuation of the status quo is intolerable for America; while we have not even begun yet.”
The remarks come amid heightened friction following reports that the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and shipping routes beginning April 13.
Separately, US President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom,” a naval initiative aimed at securing passage through the Strait of Hormuz and escorting commercial vessels through the strategically vital waterway, which Iran has significant influence over.
Iranian forces have repeatedly warned US warships against approaching the strategic waterway, with the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) maintaining firm control and showcasing its advanced asymmetric capabilities through regular missile and drone exercises.
The renewed military confrontation between Iran and the US seems to be rising, as the UAE has faced several missile strikes.
The emirate of Fujairah in the UAE says that a fire has broken out in a major petroleum complex after an Iranian drone attack.Three Indian nationals have been injured in the attack.
The UAE has described the Iranian attacks as a “dangerous escalation.”
The United Arab Emirates said it intercepted a number of missiles from Iran and a large fire has broken out at a petroleum facility in the port city of Fujairah.
The UAE Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it reserves the right to respond, while Iran said it had no premediated plan to target the UAE.
(UNI)
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