Introduction
In a significant development amid ongoing regional tensions, senior Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati has declared that the era of external powers imposing security on international waterways is over. Velayati, a longtime advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader on international affairs and former Foreign Minister, made the remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting a new reality where regional states and their partners ensure the security of vital shipping routes.
This statement comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivities involving the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb, and other critical chokepoints that carry a large portion of global oil and trade. Velayati’s comments underscore Iran’s view of shifting power dynamics away from distant naval forces toward local and allied control.
Who Is Ali Akbar Velayati?
Ali Akbar Velayati, born on June 24, 1945, in Rostamabad near Tehran, is one of Iran’s most experienced diplomats and political figures. A trained physician specializing in pediatrics and infectious diseases (with studies at Tehran University and a fellowship at Johns Hopkins University), he transitioned into politics after the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Velayati served as Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for 16 years (1981–1997) under Prime Ministers and Presidents including Mir-Hossein Mousavi, Ali Khamenei, and Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani. Since 1997, he has acted as the senior advisor to the Supreme Leader on international affairs. He is also a member of the Expediency Discernment Council and holds academic positions, including as a professor at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.
Known for his pragmatic yet firm approach to foreign policy, Velayati has long emphasized Iran’s sovereignty, support for regional allies, and resistance to external interference. His recent statements reflect decades of experience navigating complex international negotiations and regional conflicts.
Velayati’s Key Statement: “The Era of Imposing Security from Across the Oceans Has Come to an End”
On April 19, 2026, Ali Akbar Velayati posted on X asserting:
“The era of imposing security from across the oceans has come to an end. Today, not only has the security of Hormuz and Malacca been guaranteed under the shadow of our power and that of our strategic partners, but the security of Bab al-Mandab is also in the hands of the Ansar Allah brothers.”
He framed this shift as part of a broader change in the global order, where regional actors play a decisive role in securing maritime routes instead of relying on distant naval powers. Velayati linked the statement to Iran’s diplomatic history, noting that protecting national interests remains the core principle—from historical treaties to recent talks in Islamabad.
In related remarks around the same period, Velayati also emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz is “firmly in our hands,” stressing Iran’s capability to safeguard its territorial waters and strategic assets while allowing peaceful transit. He warned that any repeated “foolish mistakes” by adversaries could disrupt global energy flows and trade with “a single move,” referencing the unified command of the Resistance Front and the strategic importance of waterways like Bab el-Mandeb.
Implications for Global Maritime Security
Velayati’s declaration highlights several key points:
- Shift in Power Dynamics — Traditional dominance by extra-regional navies (often described as “imposing security from across the oceans”) is giving way to regional and allied frameworks.
- Strategic Waterways:
- Strait of Hormuz: Through which about 20% of global oil passes; Velayati asserts Iran holds the “key” to its security.
- Strait of Malacca: A vital Asian trade route, now said to be secured with strategic partners.
- Bab el-Mandeb: Controlled, according to Velayati, by Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthis), affecting Red Sea shipping.
- Regional Partnerships — Emphasis on cooperation with allies in the “Resistance Front” rather than unilateral external guarantees.
- Warnings and Diplomacy — While asserting control, Iranian officials have reiterated that foreign vessels can pass peacefully, provided national sovereignty is respected.
These comments arrive against the backdrop of failed or tense talks with the United States and broader Middle East tensions, including concerns over energy security and freedom of navigation.
Background Context and Reactions
Velayati’s statements build on earlier positions where he highlighted Iran’s readiness to defend itself and its allies. Analysts view them as part of Tehran’s messaging that external military presence in the region is no longer the sole guarantor of security and that any escalation could have wide-reaching consequences for global trade.
International observers monitor such developments closely due to the potential impact on oil prices, shipping insurance, and supply chains. Some reports note Velayati also critiqued European involvement, suggesting countries concerned about maritime security should focus on their own nearby waters (e.g., the English Channel or Gibraltar).
Conclusion
Ali Akbar Velayati’s assertion that the era of international waterway security—as traditionally enforced by distant powers—is over reflects Iran’s confidence in its strategic position and regional alliances. As a veteran diplomat and advisor, Velayati continues to shape Tehran’s narrative on sovereignty and multipolar geopolitics.
The coming months will test whether this declared shift leads to greater regional stability or increased tensions around critical maritime chokepoints. For global markets and policymakers, understanding these perspectives from key Iranian figures like Velayati remains essential for assessing risks to international shipping and energy security.