Iran Seeks to Restore Stability in the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for strengthened cooperation among countries in the region to restore stability in the Strait of Hormuz, while blaming “United States aggression” as the cause of tensions in the strategic shipping lane. According to Iranian state media IRIB, the call was made by Araghchi in separate telephone conversations with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday. Both discussions addressed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region. Araghchi stressed the importance of strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing joint diplomatic efforts to create stability in the area. He also called for the elimination of unstable conditions in the Strait of Hormuz, which he said were triggered by aggressive actions by the United States. The region has been relatively calm since Friday after the United States and Iran halted attacks following a 13-day escalation of conflict that began on 11 July. During the escalation, the United States launched strikes into Iranian territory, while Tehran retaliated by attacking what it described as US military facilities and equipment in several Arab countries. Hostilities broke out again despite Washington and Tehran having signed a memorandum of understanding in June that provided for a cessation of fighting and the start of negotiations towards a broader agreement to end the war launched by Israel and the United States since 28 February. US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over on 8 July after attacks on several tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington blamed on Tehran. The United States demanded that Iran stop attacks on ships and guarantee freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, Iran asserted that ship traffic in waters bordering its coastline must be regulated through a mechanism under its supervision.