The Deputy Speaker of Iran's Parliament, Hajj Babaei, stated that Iran has fully controlled shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz, making Iran a new "superpower."
Iran's National Radio and Television quoted him as saying: "Today, the Strait of Hormuz completely belongs to the great Iranian people; no vessel or oil tanker can pass through here without permission from the Islamic Republic of Iran."
Babaei added that Iran has now become the "fourth superpower."
The claim by Iran's Deputy Parliament Speaker Hajj Babaei that Iran has "fully controlled the Strait of Hormuz" and self-proclaimed status as the "fourth superpower" is more a carefully orchestrated psychological warfare and political declaration, serving multiple strategic goals: consolidating domestic unity, enhancing external deterrence, and gaining leverage in negotiations. At its core, this remains a blend of reality and propaganda—not an objective assessment of actual power.
Such exaggerated narratives serve a central purpose:
* Boosting national morale: In the face of intense external pressure, projecting an image of a strong, victorious nation helps solidify internal cohesion.
* Enhancing maximum deterrence: Demonstrating the ability to endure enormous costs and hold the "ace" of disrupting the global economy, aiming to warn adversaries to proceed with caution.
* Turning defense into bargaining chips: Pushing the situation toward a "fait accompli" to secure greater advantages at future negotiation tables, potentially exchanging for tangible concessions such as lifting sanctions.
A true "superpower" must have influence far exceeding that of a strait. None of these claims are internationally recognized, and the move is alleged to violate international law regarding "transit passage." Gulf states have already begun actively exploring alternative shipping routes to reduce risk.
Equating control over the strait with "superpower" status is clearly an exaggeration. Yet this statement successfully stirred national pride, reinforced deterrence, and created diplomatic leverage—a carefully calculated strategic maneuver.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1864819843970060/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.