Ebrahim Azizi, the chair of Iran's Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, affirmed that Iran will never surrender its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor for global oil shipments. In an interview in Tehran, Azizi emphasized that this authority is an inalienable right of the Islamic Republic. He announced that a new legislative bill is being introduced to bolster Iran's maritime regulations, focusing on environmental safety and national security, with the armed forces tasked with enforcement. Azizi's remarks come amid heightened tensions following recent conflicts involving the US and Israel, which have underscored the Strait's strategic importance. He criticized regional opposition, particularly from the United Arab Emirates, accusing them of aligning with American interests. The geopolitical landscape remains tense, especially following a reported US military operation against an Iranian vessel in the Sea of Oman, which has led to retaliatory drone strikes by Iranian forces. Despite these tensions, Iran has declared the Strait open for commercial traffic, although disputes over maritime rights continue.