Professor Mohammad Marandi from the University of Tehran claims Iran maintains decisive control over shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for preventing its full reopening.
Netanyahu’s violation of the ceasefire by continuing attacks in Lebanon, Marandi argued, prevented Iran from opening the strait to increased traffic. "Netanyahu destroyed the ceasefire and so he prevented Iran from opening the strait," Marandi said.
Despite Trump administration assertions that the strait is open, the professor claimed that Iran maintains control over which commercial vessels can pass through the strategic waterway and has designated specific transit routes for shipping.
President Donald Trump, according to Marandi, imposed an embargo on Iranian ports after Iran refused to open the strait due to Israeli ceasefire violations, causing Iran to reverse its decision to open shipping lanes—a sequence of events he said has pushed the global economy toward catastrophe. "The global economy is going downhill very fast thanks to Netanyahu and Trump," Marandi claimed.
Marandi contended that Iran is preparing for potential U.S. military assault and expressed confidence in his country's ability to withstand a prolonged conflict. "Iran will go the distance. No doubt about it," he said.
The professor also addressed Iran's nuclear program, saying it remains entirely peaceful despite U.S. pressure. "Iran has no interest and has shown no interest in a nuclear weapon," Marandi said, adding that Iran will not give up its enriched uranium or sovereignty under American demands.
Marandi claimed the U.S.-Israel relationship is causing economic harm to the United States, and Iran aims to pressure American elites to prioritize national interests over Israeli ones. Global opinion, he argued, is turning against Israel due to its policies and actions in the region.
