Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has cautioned that the use of shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s approval could further destabilise an already fragile security situation in the Middle East.
Araghchi issued the warning on Sunday during an official visit to Baghdad, Iraq, where he discussed regional security concerns and the growing tensions surrounding maritime activities in the Gulf.
The Iranian foreign minister’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington, with both countries accusing each other of violating a recently negotiated ceasefire arrangement aimed at reducing hostilities in the region.
According to Iranian officials, some commercial vessels have continued to navigate through a newly designated maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, a route Tehran claims was established without adequate consultation with regional stakeholders.
Iranian authorities argue that any changes affecting navigation in one of the world’s most strategic waterways should involve countries directly bordering the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes daily. Any disruption to traffic in the narrow waterway often raises concerns about global energy supplies and international trade.
Araghchi said unilateral decisions regarding maritime routes could undermine regional stability and increase the risk of misunderstandings or military confrontations.
He stressed that maintaining security in the Gulf requires cooperation among countries in the region rather than external intervention.
His comments followed recent military exchanges between Iran and the United States that have heightened fears of a wider conflict.
Reports indicate that American forces carried out strikes on Iranian-linked targets, while Iran responded with attacks on U.S. military installations in the Gulf. Although both sides have signalled a desire to avoid a broader war, tensions remain elevated.
The Iranian foreign minister called on all parties to adhere strictly to existing agreements and avoid actions that could jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts. He also renewed Tehran’s proposal for a regional security framework that would involve Gulf Arab states, Iran and Iraq working together to address security challenges.
According to Araghchi, a regionally driven approach would be more effective in ensuring long-term stability, protecting maritime trade routes and preventing future conflicts. He maintained that sustainable security in the Gulf can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The latest developments underscore the continuing volatility in the Middle East, where disputes over security, navigation rights and military activities continue to shape relations between regional powers and the United States.
