Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized the United States over rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Washington of creating instability through what he described as an “illegal blockade.”
Speaking during a televised interview, Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is “suffering first and most” from what he called U.S. aggression in the region.
The Iranian foreign minister insisted that the vital maritime corridor remains open for commercial shipping, but added that vessels must cooperate with Iranian naval forces while passing through the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, carrying a major share of global oil and gas shipments every day.
Recent tensions involving naval operations, shipping restrictions, and military deployments have raised fears of broader instability across the Gulf region.
Iranian officials continue to deny accusations that Tehran is obstructing commercial maritime traffic, instead blaming U.S. military actions and sanctions for disrupting shipping activity.
Washington, meanwhile, has accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation and increasing risks to international shipping in the region.
The latest comments come amid growing international concern over energy security, rising oil prices, and the possibility of further escalation involving regional and global powers.
As tensions continue around the Strait of Hormuz, governments and global markets remain closely focused on whether diplomacy can prevent a wider crisis in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
