Amid rising geopolitical tensions that have brought the Strait of Hormuz into sharp global focus, Masoud Polmeh, Secretary of the Iranian Shipping and Related Services Association, stressed the strategic significance of this critical waterway, stating that Iran can demand compensation for maintaining its security from extra-regional powers.
Polmeh strongly criticized the United States for violating international law and endangering the security of commercial shipping, calling for the adoption of a new doctrine for managing the strait.
Referring to the primacy of coercive power during crises, he stated: “The United States, relying on its bases in the southern Persian Gulf, has violated international law and human rights, placing commercial shipping security at risk.”
In remarks to Iran Chamber Online, he emphasized that Iran cannot remain silent in the face of unilateral violations by the opposing side, adding that the country is compelled to take reciprocal measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Under the declared political and geographical doctrine, the passage of oil tankers and commercial fleets belonging to countries that have taken or supported military action against Iran will be treated as “harmful passage” and prevented.
The shipping official further noted that alongside restricting the movement of fleets linked to aggressors, Iran has facilitated transit for other countries’ fleets, including those of Iraq, Pakistan, India, Malaysia and Turkey.
Strait of Hormuz: a global lifeline
Polmeh highlighted key statistics on the waterway, noting that the five countries on the southern shores of the Persian Gulf account for over 20% of global trade—valued at at least $1.6 trillion—excluding oil and gas. Any disruption in this region would therefore challenge global capital flows.
He also cited additional figures illustrating global dependence on the strait:
• Energy: 20% to 40% of the world’s fossil energy transits the Strait of Hormuz.
• Oil and gas: 20% of global oil and 30% of gas pass through this chokepoint.
• Strategic products: Up to 60% of global dependence on petrochemicals and urea fertilizers is tied to the region.
• Logistics: Annual financial transactions exceeding $170bn in logistics alone.
Shifting power balance and the need for a new doctrine
Comparing the strait’s logistics turnover with Iran’s total national budget, Polmeh pointed to Jebel Ali Port as a regional hub, noting that a significant portion of Iran’s container trade was previously transshipped through the port, though this cycle has now been disrupted.
He stressed that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is directly linked to the country with the longest coastline along it, warning that if Iran’s economic security is undermined, insecurity will spread globally.
In conclusion, he emphasized the necessity of formulating a new doctrine for managing the strait, stating that Iran must define a “security perimeter” for the waterway: “It is no longer possible to rely on rules that have been violated by self-proclaimed powers. Iran must therefore set clear boundaries to ensure security and safe passage and seek compensation for maintaining this domain.”
NOURNEWS