Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has provided details regarding his recent meeting with a visiting Chinese delegation, emphasizing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions took place in Tehran, where Chinese officials were present to attend a memorial ceremony for the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Ghalibaf highlighted that Beijing has consistently supported Iran during challenging periods. He noted that Iran has historically ensured safe passage for Chinese vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, even during times of conflict and ceasefire. The Speaker underscored the necessity of strengthening political and economic ties between Tehran and Beijing as a countermeasure to the unilateral policies pursued by the United States.
Addressing the management of the Strait of Hormuz, Ghalibaf reaffirmed Iran's determination to defend its sovereign rights. He explicitly stated that Iran would not permit any interference by the United States in this strategic waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and is essential for global energy supplies, as a significant portion of the world's oil production passes through this narrow passage daily.