“It is America that imposed the blockade”: Iran defends Hormuz access for commercial shipping

Rashmi Pandey — Thu, 14 May 2026 07:11:14 +0000

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday rejected allegations that Iran was obstructing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that Tehran had created “no obstacles” in the strategic waterway and accusing the United States of effectively imposing a blockade in the region.

Speaking amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international commercial shipping “provided vessels cooperate with Iranian naval forces.” His remarks come as concerns continue to grow over the security of one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes following recent military and diplomatic confrontations involving Iran and the United States.

“The Strait of Hormuz is open, and we have created no obstacles there. It is America that has imposed a blockade,” Araghchi said during official remarks carried by Iranian state-linked media.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, handles nearly one-fifth of global oil shipments and remains vital for energy exports from Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Any disruption in the narrow shipping lane typically triggers immediate reactions in global energy markets.

The latest statement from Tehran comes amid heightened regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East. In recent weeks, Washington has increased military deployments in the Gulf region, citing threats to commercial shipping and regional stability. Iranian officials, however, accuse the U.S. of militarising the waterway and escalating pressure on Tehran through sanctions and naval operations.

Global shipping companies and oil traders are closely monitoring developments around Hormuz as fears of disruptions continue to affect crude oil prices and insurance costs for vessels operating in the region. Analysts warn that even limited instability in the strait could impact global energy supply chains and raise fuel prices internationally.

Iran has repeatedly maintained that it supports freedom of navigation in the Gulf while insisting that foreign military presence is the primary source of instability in the region. Western governments, meanwhile, have accused Tehran-backed groups of threatening maritime security through attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure in previous years.

The latest exchange of accusations highlights the growing diplomatic and military strain surrounding the Gulf region, where tensions involving Iran, the United States and regional allies continue to influence global energy markets and international security calculations.

IranForeignMinister | Business Upturn

“It is America that imposed the blockade”: Iran defends Hormuz access for commercial shipping