By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 18th May, 2026
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for commercial vessels, but ships must coordinate with the Iranian Navy and follow instructions from Iranian authorities while transiting the area.
Speaking to IRNA and other Iranian state media ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Hon. Araghchi accused the United States of fueling regional instability. He criticized Washington for enforcing what he called an “illegal blockade” that has disrupted Iranian ports and maritime activities. The comments were reported on April 18, 2026, about 30 days ago.
According to Hon. Araghchi, the difficulties affecting ship movements are due to U.S. actions in the Gulf, not restrictions imposed by Tehran. He stated that Iran has made its position clear and has not placed any barriers on commercial traffic through the strait. In a post on X on the same day, he announced that passage for all commercial vessels was “declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire,” limited to the coordinated route set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
Hon. Araghchi also claimed that U.S. efforts to target Iran and block its oil exports have escalated tensions across the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. He said the situation could improve if restrictions on Iran were lifted, noting that Tehran had offered a balanced deal. He argued that the U.S. demand for Iran to transfer its uranium was not negotiation but dictation. Beyond the nuclear issue, he said disagreements persist over American military presence, sanctions, and maritime security. Earlier this week, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state media that Iran operates within international law and that maritime transparency and safety would increase if regional tensions decreased.
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