Iran’s military spokesman says Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz could generate “significant” economic revenue and strengthen the country’s international position, AFP reports.

Iran has largely blocked shipping through the strait since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on February 28. In peacetime, the route accounts for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, along with other key commodities.

“Our oversight of the Strait of Hormuz will generate significant economic revenues for our country – potentially even doubling our oil income – and will strengthen our influence on the international stage,” military spokesman Mohammad Akraminia says, according to the ISNA news agency.