Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that any attempt to bypass the Strait of Hormuz routes agreed with the United States would 'increase tensions' in the Middle East. This warning comes amid ongoing attacks and accusations of violating a fragile ceasefire in the region.
Tensions Rise Over Strait of Hormuz
During a visit to Baghdad, Araghchi called for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf countries. Both Tehran and Washington have accused each other of violating the truce meant to end the Middle East war. 'Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and will increase the tensions,' Araghchi said at a press conference.
New Corridor and Military Strikes
Vessels have continued to use a non-Iranian-approved passage in the strategic waterway, according to tracking platforms. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that Oman and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced the new corridor without consulting Tehran and warned vessels against using it. Araghchi's warning followed US military strikes on multiple targets in Iran in response to an attack on a ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran retaliated with strikes against US bases in the Gulf.
Call for Regional Security Framework
Araghchi called on all parties to 'adhere to the memorandum of understanding and not to allow this MoU to deviate from its course.' He emphasized the need for a new framework that includes all countries in the region without external interference. Araghchi welcomed Iraq's call to hold a meeting between the Gulf States, Iran, and Iraq, which was drawn into the Middle East war from the beginning.
Upcoming Events
Iraq is expected to hold funeral processions on July 8 for Iran's late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during attacks by the US and Israel on the first day of the war.
