This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, but warned that access is effectively closed to the United States and its allies amid escalating regional tensions.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence in response to the American-Israeli aggression.
“From our perspective, the strait is open, but it is closed only to our enemies and their allies,” he said, adding that Iran would continue to resist “with pride”.
Araghchi rejected suggestions that Tehran had sought a ceasefire, stating that Iran had not initiated any such request.
READ: US allows Iranian oil tankers through Strait of Hormuz to maintain global supply: Treasury secretary
“We did not send any message, nor did we request a ceasefire, but this war must end in a way that makes the enemies think a thousand times before committing any aggression again,” he said.
He added that Iran would continue to fight as long as necessary, stressing that the country would not hesitate to defend itself.
The foreign minister also said that the United States had initially demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” at the outset of the conflict before later shifting its position.
The remarks come as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify, with the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes—emerging as a central point of tension.
OPINION: The Original Sin: How Churchill’s Oil and Khomeini’s Vision Fueled Decades of Middle East Turmoil
This work by Middle East Monitor is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
- Iran in talks with FIFA to move 2026 World Cup matches from US to Mexico
- US counterterrorism chief resigns over opposition to Iran war
- US-Israeli actions ‘have no basis under international law,’ says Scottish leader
- US warship heads to Middle East as Iran war escalates
- UN rights office slams Israeli threats to inflict Gaza-level destruction on Lebanon
- UN report says Israeli settlements driving displacement, violence in West Bank
- Russia protests Israeli strike near Bushehr nuclear plant
- Iran says Strait of Hormuz open to all except US and allies
- Israel shocked by Hezbollah capabilities amid fears of prolonged war
- Tehran warns US against attacks on Kharg Island oil facilities
- Trump advisers express regret over Iran war planning: Axios report