Strait of Hormuz inseparable part of Irans territory: Leaders advisor

A senior military advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, says the Strait of Hormuz is an inseparable part of Iran's territory, and that the Islamic Republic is legally entitled to exercise control over transit in the Persian Gulf waterway.

"…our sovereignty and management over this region is not a political claim, but an indisputable legal and geographical right," said Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi in a meeting in Tehran on Monday.

Rahim Safavi said Iran is justified in its decision to impose restrictions in the strait, a measure that has been in place since the early days of the US-Israeli aggression on the country in March, adding that Iran is not seeking to create unnecessary tension in the region.

"When this waterway becomes a conduit for the passage of military equipment that directly targets Iran's national security, managing and restricting traffic is not only a right, but a strategic duty of our armed forces," he said.

The general said, however, that Iran also wants to use its leverage over Hormuz for the benefit of its citizens and the people in other countries of the region.

Rahim Safavi said controlling the waterway will continue until the United States lifts its maritime blockade on Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz is responsible for a fifth of the global oil and gas supply and a third of the world's demand for fertilizers.

Iranian armed forces block the transit of ships and tankers through the Strait unless they are certified by the authority controlling it.

Iran says it is ready to lift the restrictions under a deal with the US that would allow for the unfreezing of Iranian funds and the lifting of the US sanctions and blockade.