Mohammad Reza Aref: Sovereignty Over Hormuz Strait is Key to Overcoming Economic Pressures

 The Iranian Vice President stated that his country will not tether its economy to the lifting of sanctions if it assumes comprehensive management of the Strait of Hormuz, viewing the strait as a strategic tool to preserve national gains. Aref noted that the opposing negotiating side resorts to de-escalation under pressure then returns to hardline stances, necessitating firm Iranian control over shipping lanes to ensure national security and economic sovereignty.