Strait of Hormuz open to everyone but US, Israel, said Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi

Strait of Hormuz open to everyone but US, Israel, said Iran Foreign Minister Araghchi

By CS Ming
3 hours ago






THE Strait of Hormuz remains open to most international shipping, but vessels linked to the United States and Israel are barred, said Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.


Speaking in an interview with MS NOW, Araghchi said ships from other countries are still able to pass through the key waterway.


However, he noted that some operators have chosen to avoid the route due to security worries, which he insisted were unrelated to Iran.

He added that numerous tankers and cargo vessels are currently continuing their journeys through the strait.

On another note, Araghchi also criticised Washington over its stance on Russian oil, accusing it of hypocrisy.

He argued that the US had spent months urging countries such as India to stop purchasing crude from Russia, but was now encouraging such purchases as the confrontation with Iran disrupts global energy markets.


Araghchi further took aim at several European governments, accusing them of supporting what he described as an “illegal war” against Iran in the hope of gaining American backing against Moscow.

“Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic,” he said.

The remarks came shortly after the administration of Donald Trump announced a 30-day waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil cargoes currently stranded at sea.

The measure, unveiled on Thursday, is intended to stabilise global markets after crude prices surged beyond US$100 per barrel amid tensions in the Middle East. —Mar 15, 2026