Iran asserts Strait of Hormuz control

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all commercial vessels, but emphasized the necessity for ships to cooperate with Iranian naval forces. He accused the United States of imposing an 'illegal blockade' on Iranian ports and creating instability in the region. These remarks were made during the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in India — Delhi. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi echoed these sentiments, criticizing the United States for a lack of serious diplomacy. Iran has also defended its detention of US-flagged oil tankers as legitimate. Furthermore, Abbas Araghchi accused the United Arab Emirates of actively partnering in a US-Israeli campaign against Iran, citing alleged visits by Benjamin Netanyahu to Abu Dhabi during a conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and the heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, along with regional accusations, pose significant risks to maritime security and energy trade.