In a recent video on Face The Nation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has disclosed that several countries have approached Iran seeking safe passage for their vessels amid heightened tensions in regional waters.
Speaking on the situation, Araghchi explained that multiple nations had requested assurances that their ships could pass through strategic waterways safely as insecurity in the region continues to grow. According to him, the Iranian military is responsible for making decisions regarding such requests and has already taken steps to allow certain vessels from different countries to pass through securely.
“I cannot mention any country in particular, but we have been approached by a number of countries who want to have a safe passage for their vessels,” Araghchi said.
He noted that Iran has not closed the strategic strait and that vessels from various nations are still able to navigate the area under certain conditions. However, he stressed that concerns about security have discouraged some ships from traveling through the route without additional assurances.
“It is up to our military to decide, and they have already decided to let a group of vessels belonging to different countries pass in a safe and secure way,” he added.
The Iranian foreign minister further stated that Tehran had provided protection for the vessels permitted to pass through the waterway. According to him, the safety arrangements were necessary because shipping companies and governments remain cautious about operating in the region due to the current security environment.
“We provide them security to pass because we have not closed this strait,” Araghchi explained.
Araghchi attributed the prevailing insecurity to what he described as aggressive actions by the United States in the region. He said that the tensions have created uncertainty for international shipping, prompting countries to seek guarantees before allowing their vessels to sail through the strategic route.
“They are not coming themselves because of the insecurity which is there because of the aggression by the US,” he said.