Khamenei Supported Rouhani's Threat Regarding Closing the Strait of Hormuz

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Hassan Rouhani's recent threat, stating that if Iran's oil is not exported, it makes no sense for any country in the region to export oil, as "words indicative of the policy and approach of the system" and deemed it the responsibility of Iran's Foreign Ministry to "seriously pursue such positions of the President." About three weeks ago, Hassan Rouhani, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, mentioned during the first day of his European trip that the U.S. is trying to prevent Iran's oil exports, saying: "They do not understand the meaning of this statement; it makes no sense for Iran's oil to not be exported, and at the same time, the region's oil to be exported." On Saturday, July 30, Ayatollah Khamenei praised this threat during a meeting with ambassadors and diplomats of the Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry, calling it "important words indicative of the policy and approach of the system." In recent weeks, the head and a member of the National Security Commission of the Parliament stated that Rouhani did not mean "closing the Strait of Hormuz." However, several commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) praised these statements and reiterated the threat to close the Strait of Hormuz. Among them, Mohammad Ali Jafari, the IRGC commander, stated: "In potential conditions... it can be made clear to the enemies what the use of the Strait of Hormuz can mean for everyone or for no one." Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the IRGC, also wrote in a letter to Rouhani that his remarks are "a source of pride and honor." Ismail Kowsari, the deputy commander of the 'Quds Force,' also stated that if "necessary," Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, some senior officials of the Islamic Republic criticized the repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a costly endeavor. Most recently, Hossein Alaei, a former commander of the IRGC Navy and the current CEO of the 'Aseman' airline, told the IRNA news agency: "Iran has the capability to close the Strait of Hormuz; however, the U.S. also has the capability to reopen it; therefore, costs must be calculated." U.S. officials have consistently stated that they will respond to any potential Iranian action to close the Strait of Hormuz. Mike Pompeo, the U.S. Secretary of State, also said a few days ago: "Iran must know that the U.S. is committed to keeping maritime routes open and continuing the flow of oil for the entire world." The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategic shipping routes in the world, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil needs, nearly 18.5 million barrels per day, passes. According to military expert Hossein Aryan, Iran could not close the Strait of Hormuz even in the worst conditions of tanker wars in the Persian Gulf and only resorted to harassment operations and creating insecurity in maritime communication lines. In another part of his speech on Saturday, Ayatollah Khamenei reiterated his opposition to negotiations with the U.S., stating that "the idea of solving the country's problems through negotiation or relations with the U.S." is a "clear mistake."