In an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Esmaeil Baqaei explained the rationale behind Iran’s recent measures regarding the passage of ships and vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the decision was simple: Iran must ensure that aggressors do not misuse the waterway and their vessels to carry out military operations against the country, in accordance with international law.
Baqaei clarified that ships not belonging to aggressors, not connected to them, or not supporting their offensive operations against Iran would be allowed to transit the strait after coordinating with Iranian authorities. He emphasized that such coordination is solely intended to ensure safe and secure passage.
Responding to a question about whether the United States would seek negotiations, Baqaei said it is not for him to predict US actions, but stressed that Iran is fully determined to continue defending itself against aggression.
He underlined that the conflict is occurring on Iranian soil and described it as an unjust war imposed on the Iranian people. Accordingly, he stated, Iran has no option other than to respond forcefully to protect its sovereignty.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.