Aref tells Russian prime minister: to protect our security, we have no choice but to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz

Mohammad Reza Aref told Mikhail Mishustin, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, that in light of regional developments and the military attack by the United States and the Zionist regime on Iran, the assault is part of a broader plan to weaken independent countries. He said Iran has no option but to assert sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz to protect its security. Aref added that, under Iranian sovereignty, the safe and peaceful passage of ships from friendly countries through the strait would be possible. He also warned that the Caspian Sea should not turn into a new centre of insecurity and stressed the need to develop ports and transport links in the region. Mishustin said relations between Tehran and Moscow are based on good neighbourliness and cooperation, and strongly condemned the military attack by the United States and Israel on Iran. He also referred to the expansion of economic, energy, agricultural, industrial and cultural cooperation between the two countries.