According to Iran's Mehr News Agency, within less than 24 hours, two senior Iranian officials conveyed two important messages outlining Iran's new strategy regarding the Strait of Hormuz and regional tensions. The message from Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, focused more on economic and logistical control of the Strait of Hormuz: increasing costs for shipping and insurance companies without direct conflict. Meanwhile, the message from Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf raised the military red line, announcing that future responses would no longer be limited to a limited and reciprocal level. This combined statement indicates that Iran is attempting to advance two paths simultaneously: first, by imposing sanctions on ships and establishing no-navigation zones to exert pressure in a gradual and low-cost manner; and second, by clearly warning of the costs of any military action against its interests. The agreement with Oman could also serve as a diplomatic tool, enabling Iran to share passage management with its southern neighbor. Overall, these statements demonstrate a "two-track" strategy: strengthening strict control over the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously increasing the level of deterrence.
