Iran FM: Only Tehran Controls Strait of Hormuz; Warns Against Foreign Interference

During a joint press conference in Baghdad alongside Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the authority to reopen the Strait of Hormuz rests exclusively with Iran, as stipulated under the Tehran-Washington Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). He emphasized that any external interference or attempts to establish alternative or parallel resolution mechanisms would only exacerbate tensions in the region and hinder the resumption of safe navigation through this critical waterway. "Such actions," Araghchi warned, "will further complicate the situation, leading to heightened conflict and delays in restoring shipping traffic." He pointed to the recent clashes and incidents that have occurred in the Strait of Hormuz over the past two nights as clear evidence of the risks posed by outside involvement.

According to Araghchi, navigation through the Strait of Hormuz could return to pre-conflict levels within 30 days, provided that all existing obstacles are removed and all parties strictly adhere to the memorandum reached between Iran and the United States.