Tehran Blames US, Israel for Hormuz Insecurity, Warns of Decisive Response to ‘Illegal Attacks’
Iran’s Diplomatic Warning Amid Regional Tensions
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyyed Abbas Araqchi, held a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss recent regional developments and the security implications stemming from what Tehran describes as “military aggression” by the United States and the “Zionist regime” (Israel) against Iran.
Unwavering Resolve and Red Lines
During the discussion, Araqchi reiterated Iran’s steadfast commitment to defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity. He issued a resolute warning, stating that any threat to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure would be considered a “clear instance of war crime and genocide.” Should such threats materialize, Araqchi emphasized, Iran’s response would be “swift and decisive.”
Accusations Regarding Hormuz Security
Araqchi directly attributed the insecurity affecting maritime navigation in the vital Strait of Hormuz to what he termed “illegal attacks” by the United States and the “Zionist regime” against Iran. He emphatically rejected any accusations leveled against Iran concerning the strait’s instability, asserting that such volatility is a “direct result” of these perceived aggressions. He called upon the international community to hold both the United States and the “Zionist regime” accountable for what he described as their “lawlessness and crimes committed.”
Criticism of UN Security Council Actions
The Iranian Foreign Minister also expressed profound disappointment with the approach of certain nations, including Bahrain, for allegedly aligning with U.S. policies to instrumentalize the UN Security Council against Iran. He specifically criticized the March 11 Security Council resolution concerning the regional situation, describing it as an “obvious reversal of facts” for purportedly admonishing Iran instead of holding the “aggressors” accountable.
Araqchi further condemned efforts by the U.S. and some of its allies to propose a similar resolution in the Security Council. He urged member states, particularly Russia and China, and other nations that uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international law, to prevent the U.S. from exploiting the Security Council to exacerbate the situation while allegedly committing “crimes against Iran.”
Russia Affirms Support for International Law
In response, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Russia’s condemnation of the “illegal attack by the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Highlighting the strong bilateral relations between Tehran and Moscow, Lavrov affirmed Russia’s consistent efforts in international forums to safeguard international law and prevent the erosion of the rule of law in global relations.
