Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and one of the nation's top politicians, has confirmed that Iran exercises decisive control over the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that protecting the country has always been the core principle of Iranian diplomacy.

In a post on social media, Velayati said that “the key to the Strait of Hormuz is in our powerful hands,” underscoring Tehran’s position amid ongoing tensions and negotiations, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

His remarks come after talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad ended without reaching an agreement to end the war, according to Iranian and US officials.

The negotiations, which took place during a temporary truce, saw both sides exchange accusations over the failure to reach a deal, leaving uncertainty over whether further rounds of talks will be held.

Iran has reportedly presented several conditions in the negotiations, including guarantees against future attacks, lifting sanctions, recognition of its nuclear program, the return of frozen assets, compensation, and new arrangements for maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments come amid the ongoing war that began on 28th February, when Israel and the United States launched military operations against Iran, resulting in thousands of deaths and injuries, while regional tensions continue to escalate.