What Does Iran’s New Rule for the Hormuz Strait Mean for U.S. Influence in the Region?

Translation result [Herald Economy = Jang Yun-woo] Iran’s new supreme leader, Moztaba Khamenei, announced he will establish a new management framework for the Strait of Hormuz and move to eliminate U.S. influence in the region.

On the 30th, Turkey’s Anadolu Agency and Yonhap News reported that Moztaba said in a message marking “Persian Gulf Day” that “a bright future for the Persian Gulf is a future without the United States,” and that “Iran will implement new legal rules and a management system to prevent hostile forces from exploiting control of the Strait of Hormuz.” He said the system would bring stability, development, and economic benefits to all countries in the region.

Moztaba said the “new chapter” for the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has opened after what he described as a humiliating defeat for global hegemonic powers. He asserted recent events demonstrated that U.S. military bases in the region are vulnerable and cannot guarantee the security of allied states.

He also made clear his intent to protect Iran’s nuclear and missile technologies. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Moztaba cited nanotechnology and biotechnology alongside nuclear and missile capabilities as scientific assets Iran would deploy to defend its territory, and he vowed to preserve those technologies that the United States and Israel seek to eliminate.

Moztaba said, “The Islamic Revolution marked a turning point in resistance, and now it’s time to sever the oppressors’ reach completely,” adding that “foreign forces that came with malice from 10,000 km (about 6,214 miles) away belong only at the bottom of the sea.”

Anadolu reported the statement came amid rising tensions after the Feb. 28 war with the United States and Israel, which disrupted shipping and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The cease-fire announced on April 8 remains in effect, and diplomatic talks are continuing toward a comprehensive agreement that would cover access to the strait and regional security.

Moztaba succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, who died in U.S.- and Israel-led airstrikes on Feb. 28, and the assemblies elected him Iran’s third supreme leader on March 9. Since taking office, he has avoided public appearances and has issued statements only in writing.

Iran has observed April 30 as Persian Gulf Day since 2005 to commemorate the Safavid dynasty’s expulsion of Portuguese forces from the Strait of Hormuz in 1622.