PETALING JAYA: Iran will not close the Strait of Hormuz for the sake of regional stability and the economic interests of Asean countries like Malaysia.
According to Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi (pic), Iran would maintain security over essential trade routes despite its ongoing conflict with Israel.
He said that Iran does not wish for war or closure of the Strait, but will not hesitate to respond if its homeland is attacked.
“Despite the many issues that Iran has had previously, we have never tried to close the Strait of Hormuz and it is still not in our agenda.
“Maybe if there is a tough situation in the future, we might make an appropriate decision.
“For now, it remains open for trade and we will not impose any obstacles as we do not want to become a barrier to trade with neighbouring countries and other nations.
“We want this region to remain open for economic cooperation with our neighbouring countries, as well as external partners like Malaysia,” he said in a press conference yesterday, mStar, the Star Media Group’s Malay-language portal, reported.
He also revealed that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had contacted Iran’s president recently to seek cooperation in ensuring regional peace and establishing a trade framework between the two countries.
Valiollah also expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for its support of Iran after Israel’s recent military actions.
He added that Malaysia had the authority to make changes as Asean Chair.
“Malaysia, as the current Asean Chair, has a strong voice at the international level, including in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, to stop Israel.
“We believe Malaysia can play a role in urging the international community to put an end to any form of Israeli aggression against any country in the region,” he said.
On Sunday, Iran’s Parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to the United States’ air strikes on three of Iran’s nuclear sites.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important gateway for energy to be transported around the world.
