Iran: Iran said Monday that the 'ball has long been in the US court' over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, calling on Washington to halt its military attacks, economic measures, and naval blockade against Tehran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said at a news conference that Washington itself must end what he described as the insecurity it had imposed by stopping 'all aggression, economic sanctions and the naval blockade.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Baqaei accused the US of violating its commitments 26 days after reaching the understanding. He stated, "The ball has long been in the US court. They themselves started the aggression, and they themselves violated their commitments under the memorandum of understanding." Baqaei further mentioned that talks between Iran and Oman on establishing a temporary safe route through the Strait of Hormuz had made 'very good progress' and reached the final stage.
He expressed hope that the understanding would be registered with the International Maritime Organization in the coming days and urged third parties not to interfere in the process. Baqaei also highlighted ongoing regional diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions, noting recent visits from delegations from Oman, Pakistan, and Qatar, who have engaged in meetings aimed at de-escalating the situation.
Baqaei blamed the current insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz on US and Israeli military actions, asserting that security could not return to the strategic waterway while the naval blockade and economic measures persisted. He emphasized that the continuation of these actions would equate to ongoing military aggression, and Iran reserved the right to defend itself under international law.
The spokesman also addressed the ongoing US military actions against Iran, citing a recent attack in southern Iran that resulted in casualties. He rejected the US narrative of Iran's military actions, maintaining that Iranian operations were defensive measures permitted under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Baqaei also discussed Iran's nuclear program, attributing the lack of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to US and Israeli attacks on Iranian facilities. He accused Western countries of using IAEA reports to exert political pressure on Tehran and criticized the recent move by the US and European nations to escalate tensions over Iran's nuclear file.
On reports of potential South Korean military involvement in the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei warned that participation in US-led military actions would complicate the situation and urged Seoul to refrain from becoming a tool for US military objectives. He reiterated Iran's strong diplomatic ties with China and emphasized the importance of negotiations as a tool for advancing national interests.
Lastly, Baqaei mentioned Iran's plans to use the upcoming UN General Assembly session to articulate its positions, contingent on the US fulfilling its obligations as the host country by issuing visas to the Iranian delegation promptly.