Follow-up – INA
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is not closed to friendly countries, stressing that vessels belonging to such states must coordinate their passage with Iranian military forces.
Araghchi said the main problem in negotiations lies in what he described as contradictory messages received from the United States through differing positions, adding that Iran is not responsible for undermining security in the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that Iran did not start the war and is acting only in self-defense, stressing that it has the full right to legitimate defense.
He noted that restrictions in the Strait target Iran’s adversaries only and not friendly countries, adding that vessels belonging to friendly states and other countries are required to coordinate their passage with Iranian military forces.
Araghchi said ships of friendly countries must coordinate only with Iranian naval forces to avoid obstacles and ensure safe passage, adding that a large number of vessels have recently transited the Strait of Hormuz with the assistance of Iranian naval forces, and that this practice will continue.