Never. That's the stance of Ebrahim Azizi, a senior Iranian lawmaker, on relinquishing control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with the BBC, Azizi, a former commander in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), emphasized, It's our inalienable right, highlighting Iran's authority in regulating maritime passage through this vital corridor. He announced plans to introduce legislation to formally enshrine this control, addressing maritime safety, environmental concerns, and national security. This development comes as Tehran perceives its ability to command vital maritime traffic, particularly for oil and gas shipments, as a long-term strategic asset amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Azizi's remarks reflect a hardline stance within Iran's political landscape, particularly in the context of military pressures and diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. and its allies, who have expressed alarm over Iran's assertive maritime posture that some neighboring nations describe as hostile.