Respite As Strait of Hormuz Reopens for Commercial Shipping
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic, but ships must cooperate with the Iranian Navy and the authorities while navigating the region.
He spoke with Iranian state media ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi and blamed the U.S for creating instability in the region and imposing an “illegal blockade” affecting Iranian ports and maritime activities.
He also said that the difficulties around ship movements were due to American actions in the Gulf and not due to any restrictions imposed by Iran, which has made its stance very clear
Aragachi also claimed that the U.S has escalated the situation in the entire Gulf region and around the Strait of Hormuz by trying to target Iran and prevent its oil exports from leaving the country.
He also expressed hope that the situation would improve if restrictions on Iran were lifted while arguing that his country had offered a balanced deal, but the U.S. wanted Iran to transfer its uranium, which is not acceptable, since it is not negotiation but dictation.
Other issues over which the U.S. and Iran cannot reach a common ground, apart from the nuclear program, include American military presence, sanctions, and maritime security.
