TEHRAN -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Wednesday that the Strait of Hormuz holds a special place in the security and economy of the region and the world, describing the strategic waterway as the “beating pulse” of the country’s vital arteries.
In a message marking World Maritime Day, Pezeshkian said the sea is not merely a body of water for Iran but “a divine blessing and part of the history, identity and life of this land, and one of the most important capacities of the country’s present and future.”
“The Iranian nation has lived with the sea since ancient times, communicated with the world through it, and benefited from its capacities for trade, development and progress,” he said. 
“Today, the sea and the maritime industry are one of the important pillars of economic growth, regional development, employment and connection with the world.”
Pezeshkian noted that Iran, with its extensive coastlines in the north and south and its position on important regional communication routes, is one of the centers of maritime economy and navigation in the world. 
“Throughout history, thanks to the high efforts of seafarers, we today have a valuable position in this industry and can transfer our experiences to others.”
He stressed that security and development are inseparable. “Security of the sea, ports and transport lines provides the ground for the flow of trade and economic activity, and economic development strengthens the country’s national position and power.”
“The Islamic Republic, relying on the capability and experience of its naval forces and all those involved in the maritime domain, pursues its responsibility in maintaining the security and stability of the region’s waterways and ensuring the security of shipping and maritime trade with seriousness,” he said.
“The Strait of Hormuz, as one of the most important maritime passages, is the beating pulse of the country’s vital arteries and holds a special place in the security and economy of the region and the world,” Pezeshkian said. 
“Our view of this strategic waterway is responsible and based on preserving the security, stability and interests of the countries of the region.”
“We believe that sustainable security in the Persian Gulf and its waterways depends, more than 
anything, on the cooperation, responsibility and active role of the countries of the region.”
The president praised the country’s maritime community, saying “the authoritative presence in water zones in the past year is proof of the high efforts of men who did not allow the pulse of the country’s vital arteries to stop moving for a moment.”
“The country’s maritime community showed that coordination between the government, the private sector and security forces can remove obstacles from the path.”
Pezeshkian also called for the sea to be viewed as an arena for science and environmental protection, saying “the future of sea-based development is not possible without universities, research, technology and serious attention to the marine environment.”
“Better understanding of the seas, development of new technologies, improvement of maritime safety, use of marine energy capacities and protection of marine ecosystems are investments for the future of the country and future generations,” he said.
He said the private sector, shipping companies, the fishing community, port and maritime industry activists, universities and scientific centers, and coastal communities each have an effective role. 
“It is the government’s duty to reduce obstacles, facilitate, coordinate agencies, improve infrastructure and provide the ground for participation and investment to pave the way for greater presence of the people and the private sector.”
“Today, more than ever, we need a link between science, experience, executive power and popular capacities to enhance the country’s position in the maritime economy and regional and international relations through the synergy of all agencies and sectors.”
The message congratulated all seafarers and maritime workers and their families, and paid a tribute to “all the martyrs of the maritime domain and seafarers who lost their lives in the line of duty,” with wishes for “pride and prosperity for dear Iran.”
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical oil chokepoint, with approximately 20 percent of global petroleum liquids consumption passing through it. 
Iran has repeatedly warned that it will defend its interests in the waterway, while emphasizing regional cooperation over foreign military presence.