Araghchi: Iran ‘determined’ to defend national security, prevent US misuse of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran is “determined” to defend its national interests and security and prevent the United States from misusing the Strait of Hormuz to threaten Iran’s security.

Araghchi made the remarks in a meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, as part of his ongoing consultations with counterparts attending the gathering.

He said the ongoing insecurity in the strategic Strait of Hormuz was a “direct” result of the US's lack of commitment to its obligations and crimes against Iran.

He pointed to Iran’s goodwill during negotiations that led to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the US to end the war and emphasized that Tehran has demonstrated seriousness in diplomacy.

The top Iranian diplomat also commended Russia’s “responsible” positions in opposing aggressive US unilateralism and its misuse of international organizations to exert pressure on independent countries.

Araghchi discussed with Lavrov the latest developments in negotiations and the understanding between Iran and Oman on establishing a safe shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz, and also the continued efforts by mediators to convey the conditions and essential elements required for a return to the diplomatic process.

Iran has restricted transit through the Strait of Hormuz since the early days of the US-Israeli war of aggression that began on February 28 and came to a halt under a ceasefire in early April amid the Islamic Republic’s brave resistance and successful retaliatory operations.

On June 17, Tehran and Washington signed the Pakistan-brokered MoU, whose Article 5 places responsibility for reopening and managing the strait squarely in Iran’s hands.

However, the US attempted to undermine Iran’s sovereignty over the vital global energy chokepoint by establishing an unsafe corridor near the Omani shores. The US also resumed its aerial assaults on Iran and imposed a naval blockade of the country in violation of the war-ending deal.

The unlawful US measures prompted Iran to declare the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic.

Iran retains initiative in Strait of Hormuz despite US claims: Armed Forces spokesman

A senior Iranian commander says the initiative of the Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands.

The Islamic Republic has stressed that the reopening of the critical waterway depends on US compliance with its obligations under the MoU.

During the meeting, Araghchi and Lavrov discussed bilateral cooperation in political, economic, trade, transportation and energy fields, as well as coordination within international organizations.

The Iranian and Russian foreign ministers also exchanged views on the latest developments in West Asia following repeated US violations of the Islamabad understanding.

For his part, Lavrov reiterated Russia’s principled stance on condemning the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran and criticized efforts by Washington and its allies to use international organizations as tools to advance their own objectives.

The Russian foreign minister urged all countries to adhere to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

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