In his message for the 10th of Ordibehesht (April 30), designated as National Persian Gulf Day, Pezeshkian said the occasion recalls the deep and inseparable connection between Iran’s name, history and identity and the strategic waterway.

He described the Persian Gulf as a region that, since ancient times, has served as a center of civilizational and cultural exchange, as well as a vital artery for trade and energy at both the regional and global levels.

Pezeshkian said this year’s observance comes as the recent Ramadan imposed war once again highlighted the significance of the region, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

He praised the country’s naval forces, saying their actions demonstrated that the key passageway is not only strategically important for global energy transit, but also a symbol of national sovereignty and Iran’s essential role in ensuring regional and international security.

He said Iran’s enemies have shifted their pressure campaign toward economic and maritime arenas, pursuing a strategy of naval blockade and restrictions on maritime trade routes as a new tool against Iran’s government and people.

However, he said the Persian Gulf is not a place for the imposition of unilateral foreign will, but part of the international system of interaction, where security can only be achieved through collective cooperation and mutual respect for the sovereignty of littoral states.

Pezeshkian said any attempt to impose maritime blockades or restrictions would violate international law, threaten the interests of regional nations and global peace and stability, and is therefore destined to fail.

He reiterated Iran’s longstanding position that foreign military presence and intervention do not contribute to regional security, but instead create tension and undermine lasting stability in the Persian Gulf.

Referring again to the Ramadan war, he said the presence of US military bases in host countries did not enhance their security, but instead endangered their peace and safety and made them legitimate targets after attacks were launched against Iranian territory.

Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic of Iran, as guardian of security in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, remains committed to the principles of freedom of navigation and maritime safety, except for hostile countries.

He added that implementation of those principles must be accompanied by respect for Iran’s nation and sovereignty, and said responsibility for any insecurity in the waterway lies with the United States and Israel.

He described National Persian Gulf Day as an opportunity to reaffirm the historical reality that the waterway is an inseparable part of Iranian national identity and a symbol of the Iranian people’s resistance against old and new colonial powers.

Pezeshkian concluded by expressing hope that the Persian Gulf will always remain secure, stable and prosperous, serving as a place of peace for its people free from foreign presence.