Iranian Ambassador to Dhaka, Jaleel Rahimi Jahanabadi, has stated that Bangladeshi fuel-carrying vessels must coordinate with Iran and comply with its regulations to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

He made these remarks at a press conference held at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Wednesday (November 4).

He noted that no country can safely transport fuel through this strategic waterway without coordinating with Iranian authorities, emphasizing that directives set by Iran must be followed to cross Hormuz.

The ambassador stated that Iran has no involvement in the recent attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that Iran cannot play a direct role in guaranteeing the security of fuel transportation for any nation, including Bangladesh.

However, as a gesture of friendship, Iran will extend all necessary cooperation for the safe transit of Bangladeshi-flagged commercial vessels based on advance coordination.

Referring to the people of Bangladesh as "Muslim brothers and sisters," the Iranian ambassador expressed gratitude for their support on various global issues and reassured them of assistance in ensuring the safe movement of Bangladeshi ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the United States is responsible for the economic pressures and rising prices caused by tensions in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Nevertheless, as a token of friendship during this crisis, Iran will provide full assistance for the safe passage of Bangladeshi-flagged merchant ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz, provided there is prior coordination.

Ambassador Jaleel Rahimi expressed satisfaction with the stance of the Bangladeshi public regarding Iran. He remarked that despite various constraints, the position of the Bangladesh government on the Iran issue remains rational, adding that Iran is pleased with the attitude and support of the Bangladeshi people.

Addressing the prospect of any compromise with the United States and Israel, Jaleel Rahimi asserted that compromise with the US and Israel equates to surrender—something Iran will never accept.

He warned that if the US or Israel launches any attack, Iran is fully prepared to strike back with full force to crush them. However, he emphasized that Iran does not seek war or conflict on its own initiative.

Stating that Iran harbors no disputes with Middle Eastern Arab nations, he said Iran will never attack any Arab country unless US military bases located in those nations are used to launch attacks against Iran.

Declaring the holy cities of Mecca and Medina as Iran's "red lines," he proposed the formation of a "Mecca Pact" to ensure regional security free from Western interference.

The ambassador also highlighted the historical context of the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels, noting that the dispute predates the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

However, he reaffirmed Iran's strong political and spiritual support for Yemen's Houthis, Palestine's Hamas, Lebanon's Hezbollah, and Iraq's Hashd al-Shaabi due to their opposition to the US and Israel.