Iran claims full control over Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains entirely under Tehran’s supervision, stressing that Iran continues to manage the vital shipping route amid ongoing regional tensions. Speaking at a joint press conference along with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi said he had informed Iraqi officials about the latest developments following the recent conflict, as well as discussions surrounding the Mo U reached between Iran and the United States. According to Araghchi, Iran will maintain complete authority over the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days while efforts continue to remove disruptions affecting maritime operations. He said Iran is working toward restoring the full operational capacity of the waterway once conditions stabilise. Araghchi emphasised that responsibility for managing the strait lies solely with Iran, warning that any external interference or unilateral action by other parties could escalate tensions and delay the reopening process. He urged the US to fulfil its obligations by pressuring Israel to halt military operations and withdraw from Lebanese territory, describing this as a key condition outlined in the first article of the MoU. Araghchi also proposed the creation of a new regional security framework involving Gulf nations, Iran, and Iraq without the involvement of outside powers. He argued that security arrangements in the region should be handled by countries within the Middle East rather than foreign governments, especially following recent Iranian retaliatory strikes on the US military bases after attacks on Iranian targets. Araghchi’s visit to Iraq also included discussions regarding preparations for the funeral ceremonies of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, expected to take place in early July in the Iraqi holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, both major religious centres for Shia Muslims worldwide. The visit comes at a highly sensitive time as the Iran-US memorandum remains fragile