Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for merchant vessels cooperating with Iran, while accusing the United States of causing instability in the region.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Abbas Araghchi made these remarks to state media on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting held in New Delhi. The minister emphasized that Tehran does not obstruct shipping activities and characterized the blockade imposed by Washington against Iran as illegal.
“For us, the Strait of Hormuz is open to all merchant ships, but they must cooperate with our naval forces,” Abbas Araghchi noted, stressing the requirement for maritime coordination. He further suggested that regional disruptions are a direct result of U.S. policy in the Middle East, rather than Iranian naval operations.
The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the world's most critical energy transit routes, with a significant portion of global oil and gas supplies passing through the narrow waterway daily. Any escalation of tension in this strategic corridor has immediate and profound effects on international trade and global energy prices. Iran's recent full membership in the BRICS bloc reflects its strategy to deepen ties with emerging economies and mitigate the impact of Western sanctions on its maritime and energy sectors.
