Araghchi: Iran has not closed Strait of Hormuz, imposed restrictions on vessels linked to aggressors 

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz but rather enacted restrictions on vessels linked to states involved in the US-Israeli war and at the same time is offering assistance to others amid serious security concerns.

Speaking in an interview with Japan’s official Kyodo news agency on Friday, Araghchi stated that Tehran is prepared to facilitate the passage of Japanese ships through the strategic waterway, and that negotiations with Tokyo on the matter are underway.

“We have not closed the strait. It is open,” the top Iranian diplomat stated.

He also emphasized that Iran is seeking “not a ceasefire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war.”

Iran has roundly dismissed calls for a temporary truce, insisting that any resolution must entail guarantees that attacks won’t recur in the future, and that compensation must be paid for the damage inflicted during the onslaught.

Araghchi stated that Iran has not shut the Strait of Hormuz but rather imposed restrictions on vessels affiliated with countries engaged in the US-Israeli war of aggression, whilst helping others amid the volatile situation there.

He added that Iran is ready to ensure safe passage for countries like Japan in case they cooperate with Tehran.

Araghchi noted that the issue of negotiations of Japanese ships through the Strait of Hormuz was lately discussed with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, stating that talks are underway but the details cannot be disclosed.

The Iranian foreign minister also denounced the imposed war on Iran, saying it was launched despite indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

“This was an illegal, unprovoked act of aggression,” he said, adding that Iran’s response constitutes self-defense and will continue “for as long as it takes.”

The top Iranian diplomat called on the international community, including Japan, to adopt a position against the US-Israeli strikes.

Araghchi noted that several countries are trying to mediate an end to the war, and said Iran is “open to any initiative and willing to take proposals into consideration.”

He underscored that while diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the United States has yet to exhibit its readiness for a genuine resolution.

The United States and Israel initiated an extensive and unprovoked military offensive against Iran on February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei along with several high-ranking military officials and civilians.

The aggression has comprised a series of intensive strikes on both military and civilian installations throughout Iran, leading to considerable loss of life and extensive destruction of civilian facilities.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces immediately began a series of counterattacks, directing missile and drone strikes at American bases across the region and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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