Tehran Vows to Secure Persian Gulf, End U.S. Presence

Iran's Parliament Speaker, MB Ghalibaf, has declared Tehran's intention to ensure the security of the Persian Gulf while eliminating U.S. presence at the Strait of Hormuz. His remarks come during heightened tensions between the Islamic Republic and Washington, as both nations vie for control of this critically strategic waterway.

In a recent social media post, Ghalibaf referenced the historical expulsion of European colonizers from the Persian Gulf in 1622, a victory celebrated annually with Persian Gulf Day on April 30. This day reinforces narratives of national sovereignty intertwined with the Gulf's history, commemorating the defeat of Portuguese colonial forces by the Iranian ruler Abbas I.

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, further emphasized the enduring historical significance of the Persian Gulf. He stated that regional stability hinges on acknowledging historical truths and respecting Iran's national will, underscoring that the name 'Persian Gulf' is deeply embedded in both historical and geographical reality.

(With inputs from agencies.)