Israel-Iran tensions: Iran's parliament approves closure of Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Press TV reported on June 22 that the country's parliament has approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran's Supreme National Security Council will make the final decision on whether to close the Strait of Hormuz or not.

Ships moving in the Strait of Hormuz. (Photo: IRNA/VNA)

Although no final decision has been made on closing the Strait of Hormuz, Esmail Kosari, a lawmaker and commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and a member of the Iranian parliament , said that closing the strait was on the agenda and "will be done when necessary."

Danish shipping company Maersk said on June 22 that its ships continued to move through the Strait of Hormuz, but affirmed that it was ready to reassess its operations in the area, following US airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

“We will continuously monitor the security risk level for each vessel in the area and are prepared to take necessary operational measures,” the company said in a statement.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping route through which about 20% of global oil is shipped each day. Its closure is expected to have a major impact on the world energy market.

On the same day, US officials affirmed that Washington wants to resume negotiations to find a long-term solution to Iran's controversial nuclear program.

In an interview with NBC News, US Vice President JD Vance said: "They want to end their (Iran's) nuclear program... We want to negotiate with Iran on a long-term solution."

On the same day, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Iran's leadership to choose the path of peace to avoid the risk of further attacks.

Speaking at a press conference at the Pentagon on June 22, Minister Hegseth said the airstrike campaign approved by President Donald Trump had “destroyed” Iran’s nuclear program, affirming that the US military operation “did not target Iranian soldiers or people” nor was it aimed at “regime change” in Iran.

“The president has authorized a precision strike to neutralize the threat to our national interests posed by Iran’s nuclear program and the collective self-defense of our military and our ally Israel,” the Pentagon chief said.

From the capital Paris, the Office of French President Emmanuel Macron said that Mr. Macron had a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

In a phone call on June 22, President Macron called on Tehran to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table soon./.

According to VNA

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/cang-thang-israel-iran-quoc-hoi-iran-thong-qua-viec-dong-cua-strait-bien-hormuz-252943.htm