Araghchi declares 'open' door on Hormuz as countries quietly approach Tehran for safe passage

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday, March 15, that several countries had contacted Tehran to discuss the possibility of safely navigating vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions. 

The comments come as concerns grow over disruptions to the key global energy route following the outbreak of conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Strait is one of the world’s most important shipping corridors for oil and gas supplies. Iranian officials say they are open to discussions with countries seeking assurances that their ships can safely pass through the waterway.

Abbas Araghchi says nations approached Iran over ship security

Speaking with CBS News, Araghchi said Iran is willing to hold discussions with governments that want their vessels to travel safely through the Strait of Hormuz.

Asked whether Iran could again allow oil and gas tankers to move through the narrow maritime corridor, the foreign minister said the country was open to negotiations with states that want security guarantees.

“We are open to countries who want to talk to us about the safe passage of their vessels,” Araghchi said. 

“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,” he added.

However, Araghchi emphasized that any final decision about allowing ships to pass through the strategic waterway rests with Iran’s military authorities.

He said the armed forces had already allowed some vessels to pass safely. “This is up to our military to decide, and they have already decided to let, you know, a group of vessels belonging to different countries to pass in a safe and secure (way), so we provide them security to pass,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy markets, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil shipments typically passing through the route.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is vital for oil exports from major producers in the region.

Iran says it is not seeking ceasefire or negotiations with US

Araghchi also addressed the broader conflict between Iran and the United States, saying Tehran is not currently pursuing negotiations with Washington or seeking a ceasefire.

“We don't see any reason why we should talk with Americans,” he said during the interview. “We never asked for a ceasefire, and we have never asked even for negotiation,” Araghchi added.

His comments came after President Donald Trump said in recent days that Iran is seeking a deal to end the war. In an interview with NBC, Trump said that “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it because the terms aren't good enough yet."

Araghchi rejected that characterization, saying Iran would continue defending itself in the conflict.

“We are ready to defend ourselves as long as it takes,” he said. “This is what we have done so far, and we continue to do that until President Trump comes to the point that this is an illegal war with no victory,” he added.

“There are, you know, people being killed only because President Trump wants to have fun,” Araghchi said. “This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self defense.”