Last Updated:March 15, 2026, 22:02 IST
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran is open to talks with countries to ensure the safe passage of their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. (Image: AFP/File)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is open to talks with countries to ensure the safe passage of their vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that several nations have already approached Iran.
“We are open to countries that want to talk to us about the safe passage of their vessels”, Araghchi said.
The Iranian minister refused to name the countries that reached out to Iran. “I cannot mention any country in particular, but we have been approached by a number of countries that want to have a safe passage for their vessels,” Araghchi told CBS News.
However, he also clarified the decision rests in the hands of the Iranian military. “This is up to our military to decide, and they have already decided to let, you know, a group of vessels belongs to different countries to pass in a safe and secure (way), so we provide them security to pass,” he said.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial maritime chokepoint which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil trade — triggered disruptions in energy supplies across the globe.
Energy prices have soared across the world since Iran retaliated against the coordinated US-Israeli strikes by threatening shipping sailing though the strait.
On Saturday, two tankers bound for India passed through the strait, an Indian foreign ministry official told CNN. The development came following intensive diplomatic efforts between New Delhi and Tehran.
Trump’s Threat To Iran
US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Saturday that “many countries” would be sending warships in conjunction with Washington to help keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and safe”.
“Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.”
“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline, and continually shooting Iranian Boats and Ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” he added.
Meanwhile, Iran has been ramping up attacks on energy targets across the Gulf, in retaliation for the joint strikes by Israel and the US.
On Thursday, Tehran warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel or its partners would be a “legitimate target.”
First Published:
March 15, 2026, 21:51 IST
News world Iran FM Says Countries Approached Tehran For Strait Of Hormuz Access, Stays Tight-Lipped On NamesDisclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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