Key facts
- Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran's full control.
- Baghaei blamed US actions for insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and rising global fuel prices.
- He stated the US violated a memorandum of understanding regarding the strait's transit 23 days after its signing.
- Iran closed the strategic waterway on February 28 following alleged US-Israeli aggression.
- Baghaei said Iran fulfilled its obligations under the Islamabad agreement, while the US violated its commitments.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remains and will continue to be under Iran's complete control. He attributed the insecurity in the vital waterway and the subsequent rise in global fuel prices to actions taken by the United States.
Speaking during a televised interview on Friday, Baghaei stated that if the international community is concerned about increasing fuel prices, it should hold the US accountable. He accused the US of violating a memorandum of understanding signed in June, mediated by Pakistan, just 23 days after its signing, claiming the US's justifications for these violations lacked basis.
According to Saednews, Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, describing it as a response to what Tehran termed unprovoked US-Israeli aggression. The June memorandum of understanding had stipulated a 60-day period for reopening the strait. Iran claimed it had facilitated safe and lawful transit in accordance with the agreement but later reclosed it, alleging a violation of commitments by Washington. Iran has outlined several conditions for reopening the strait, including the complete removal of what it calls illegal US naval and economic blockades, a permanent cessation of hostilities in all conflict zones, and clarity on the blockade of Yemen.