Medvedev Says Strait of Hormuz Gives Iran Strategic Leverage Comparable to Deterrence Power

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev has said that the Strait of Hormuz represents a major strategic asset for Iran, arguing that its importance is comparable to that of nuclear deterrence in terms of geopolitical influence.

Speaking after a visit to Tehran on Saturday, Medvedev said Iran’s proximity to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes gives it significant leverage in regional and global politics. He described the Strait of Hormuz as a “strategic instrument” whose influence, in his view, is “no less than a nuclear weapon” in deterrence value.

He also referred to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as a secondary strategic pressure point, warning that maritime traffic through key chokepoints could be affected in the event of a wider regional escalation. Medvedev added that he hoped such a scenario would not occur, while cautioning countries involved in regional tensions to take such risks seriously.

The former Russian president also commented on diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Washington, saying that a recently signed memorandum of understanding could serve as a foundation for further negotiations.