Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi on Thursday said the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial shipping, while asserting that vessels passing through the waterway must coordinate with Iranian naval forces amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
Speaking in an interview with Iranian state media ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Araghchi accused the United States of creating instability and imposing what he described as an “illegal blockade” affecting Iranian ports and maritime activity.
Iran says Strait of Hormuz remains open
Araghchi stated that Iran has not blocked maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz and maintained that commercial vessels continue to have access to the crucial global trade route.
However, he said ships moving through the area are expected to cooperate with Iranian naval authorities while navigating the region.
According to the Iranian Foreign Minister, Tehran considers the Strait open for international commercial traffic despite the current geopolitical tensions and military activity in the Gulf.
He also argued that the present difficulties surrounding maritime movement were a result of American actions and not Iranian restrictions.
Tehran accuses US of creating blockade
During the interview, Araghchi claimed that the United States was responsible for escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz through policies targeting Iran.
He alleged that Washington had imposed what he described as a blockade affecting Iranian ports and maritime trade operations.
The Iranian minister expressed hope that the situation would improve if restrictions imposed on Iran were lifted and regional tensions eased.
The remarks come amid continuing friction between Iran and the United States over military presence, sanctions and maritime security in West Asia.
Strait of Hormuz remains critical global energy route
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, with a major share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Located between Iran and Oman, the strait has frequently been at the centre of regional security tensions involving Iran, the United States and Gulf nations.
Any disruption in the area is closely monitored by global markets because of its importance to international energy supplies and shipping routes.
The region has witnessed repeated military stand-offs, naval incidents and diplomatic tensions over the past several years.
Iranian Deputy FM calls for peace and diplomacy
Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also commented on the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to ANI, Gharibabadi said the region’s security environment would improve significantly once peace and stability were restored.
He maintained that Iran intended to operate within the framework of international law and suggested that maritime transparency and safety would increase if regional tensions declined.
The Iranian official also accused the United States of failing to engage in what he described as serious diplomacy regarding the ongoing crisis.
Global focus remains on Gulf maritime security
The latest comments from Iranian leaders come at a time when global attention remains focused on maritime security and energy transportation routes in the Gulf region.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of concern for several countries due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, military deployments and fears of potential disruptions to global oil supplies.
Diplomatic observers believe developments in the region could have significant implications for global energy markets, international shipping and broader geopolitical stability in West Asia.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Iranian FM says Strait of Hormuz remains open for global shipping
