Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships coordinating with Iran, but that the United States is imposing a blockade.
Speaking on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India on Thursday, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is suffering now, more than anything else, from American aggression and the blockade imposed upon it, according to Mehr News Agency.
Araghchi explained, “In our view, the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial vessels, but they must cooperate with our naval forces.”
He stressed, “We have not created any obstacles; rather, America is the one imposing the blockade, and I hope this situation will end with the lifting of this illegal blockade.”
Meanwhile, Italy on Wednesday said it was sending two warships closer to the Gulf but would only deploy them as part of an international mission in case of a lasting truce in the region. The vital strait has effectively been closed after the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran on February 28.
The confrontation in the region has led to global economic turmoil, with soaring oil and fertilizer prices, and supply chain disruptions.
Britain and France have been leading talks on a possible naval force in the region to bolster international maritime security.
The two countries have also announced they are prepositioning warships in the area. Meanwhile, negotiations between the US and Iran to end the war and reopen this crucial waterway appear to be stalled. (EIR)
