Araghchi warns fresh military action could delay full reopening of Strait of Hormuz

BAGHDAD: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s administrative control, warning that any unilateral or fresh military actions would delay the full reopening of the world’s most critical maritime energy route.

Araghchi made the remarks during a joint press conference in Baghdad alongside his Iraqi counterpart, following high-level bilateral talks intended to brief the Iraqi leadership on the unfolding security situation and the tentative diplomatic breakthrough between Tehran and Washington.

Araghchi said that the very first clause of the US-Iran memorandum explicitly mandates an immediate ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon.

He emphasised that Tehran would “never compromise” on the issue of Lebanon.

He asserted that restoring maritime traffic in the strait to pre-war levels is solely Tehran’s responsibility.

“Any unilateral or new action will only cause delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz,” Araghchi warned.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein welcomed the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, describing it as a “good step” toward regional stability.

He stressed that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the economic survival of the entire region.

“Military escalation in the Strait of Hormuz must be avoided,” Hussein said, adding a stark warning about the domestic fallout of the conflict. “Iraq is currently facing a severe oil crisis.”

Hussein reiterated Iraq’s long-standing foreign policy position, stating that Baghdad firmly rejects war and aggression against any sovereign nation.

Araghchi’s visit to Baghdad comes at a highly volatile moment for regional geopolitics, a reality both ministers acknowledged. The Iranian foreign minister termed his visit of “extraordinary importance” given the current regional security environment.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Araghchi affirmed that Tehran is committed to expanding its strategic and bilateral relations with the new Iraqi government across multiple sectors.

He also praised Baghdad’s political stance during the conflict, noting that the Iraqi government had strongly condemned recent military strikes launched against Iran.

“The Iraqi people have stood by their Iranian brothers in every difficult time,” Araghchi said, thanking Iraq for its consistent support of the Iranian populace in the face of what he characterized as Israeli and American aggression.