No plans to close Strait of Hormuz, regional trade route protected, says Iranian envoy to Malaysia

PETALING JAYA - Trade passage through the Strait of Hormuz will remain open and unaffected as Iran seeks to deepen its economic ties with Malaysia and countries in Asean, said Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi.

Mr Valiollah said Iran’s assurance, despite its

ongoing conflict with Israel

, was to protect international trade and the economic interests of South-east Asian countries, like Malaysia, as reported by Sinar Harian.

He also said that Iran currently had no intention to close the

key trade route

and will continue to maintain security for the strait.

“Iran does not restrict any trade routes and we want this region to remain open for trade and economic cooperation with neighbouring countries, as well as external partners like Malaysia,” he said in a press conference on June 26.

He added that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently held discussions to ensure regional peace and establish a framework for trade cooperation between Malaysia and Iran.

Mr Valiollah also expressed his gratitude to Malaysia for its support of Iran against Israel’s recent military actions against them.

“Malaysia, as the current Asean chair, has a strong voice at the international level, including in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations, to stop Israel.

“We believe Malaysia can play a role in urging the international community to put an end to any form of Israeli aggression against any country in the region,” he said.

On June 22, Iran’s Parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to the

US’ airstrikes on three of Iran’s major nuclear sites

.

The Strait of Hormuz currently provides a vital gateway for oil transportation internationally, which Malaysia is a key stakeholder of. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK