The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and a senior advisor to the Supreme Leader, Larijani, wrote on March 10: "The Strait of Hormuz either becomes a path of peace and prosperity for all, or a path of failure and suffering for belligerents."
This statement by Larijani can be interpreted as a firm response to U.S. threats, while also delineating two possible futures: either everyone shares peace, or "belligerents" face the consequences themselves.
This statement was a direct response to a warning from U.S. President Trump. Previously, Trump had threatened that if Iran blocked the strait, the U.S. military would launch an attack "20 times more intense than before." Larijani countered that Iran does not fear "empty threats" and reminded Trump to "be careful not to be eliminated."
He chose to release it in six languages (including Chinese) to inform the international community of the consequences of the U.S.-Iran confrontation.
Underlying meaning —
"Path of peace and prosperity": Iran has set conditions for passage, requiring relevant countries to "expel Israeli and U.S. ambassadors," thereby isolating the U.S. and Israel.
"Path of failure and suffering": A warning that if the U.S. and Israel continue to exert pressure, Iran has the capability to turn the Strait of Hormuz into a "belligerent's" graveyard. Currently, Iran has not legally closed the strait, but through military deterrence, it has effectively created a "de facto blockade," causing about 20% of global oil transportation to be blocked.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859298621347840/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.