Araghchi: Insecurity in Hormuz Strait result of US-Israeli aggression

According to Pars Today, citing IRIB, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi told reporters on Friday night near the UN Security Council chamber: “You cannot bomb a country, threaten to destroy it, impose a maritime blockade and coercive measures against it, and expect security and maritime shipping to be restored automatically.

Araghchi stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran once again reaffirms its steadfast commitment to international law, the UN Charter and diplomacy. This commitment has been demonstrated through the negotiations that led to the conclusion and implementation of the JCPOA, as well as Iran’s continued efforts to pursue diplomacy over the past two years, even as Iran has faced aggressive actions by the United States and Israel.

The Iranian foreign minister stressed: ‘The United States chose the opposite path: aggression, threats, assassinations, economic warfare, and blatant disregard for international law and the UN Charter. During the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, more than 5,000 people have been killed, including hundreds of women and children.’

He added: “The United States is now using economic deprivation as a tool for collective punishment and political coercion. This is not diplomacy. It is coercion and economic terrorism, and a blatant and direct violation of the binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on October 3, 2018.

Araghchi stressed: Iran remains committed to safe and secure navigation, but maritime security cannot be restored through further military measures, threats, blockades or economic coercion. The insecurity prevailing in the Strait of Hormuz and disruption to maritime shipping are the direct result of the aggressive actions of the United States and the Israeli regime.

He added: Iran has conveyed a specific seven-day plan to the United States through Qatar. If the necessary conditions are met, the Strait can be reopened and normal maritime traffic can resume within seven days. The choice is now with the United States. Iran will not accept coercion, threats or intimidation, and Iran will not give up its sovereign rights under pressure.