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Iran Affirms Strait of Hormuz Open, Targets Only Aggressor States Amid Self-Defense Response

  • March, 21, 2026 - 12:45
  • Politics news
Iran Affirms Strait of Hormuz Open, Targets Only Aggressor States Amid Self-Defense Response

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, but has imposed restrictions solely on vessels linked to the aggressor states in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, while offering safe passage assistance to others.

Politics

Araqchi made the remarks in a telephone interview with Japan's Kyodo News agency on Friday.

He emphasized that the strategic waterway remains open.

"We have not closed the strait. It is open," Araqchi stated.

 He also emphasized that Iran is seeking “not a ceasefire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war.”

Iran has roundly dismissed calls for a temporary truce, insisting that any resolution must entail guarantees that attacks won’t recur in the future, and that compensation must be paid for the damage inflicted during the onslaught.

Araqchi stated that Iran has not shut the Strait of Hormuz but rather imposed restrictions on vessels affiliated with countries engaged in the US-Israeli war of aggression, whilst helping others amid the volatile situation there.

He added that Iran is ready to ensure safe passage for countries like Japan in case they cooperate with Tehran.

Araqchi noted that the issue of negotiations of Japanese ships through the Strait of Hormuz was lately discussed with his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi, stating that talks are underway but the details cannot be disclosed.

The Iranian foreign minister also denounced the imposed war on Iran, saying it was launched despite indirect Tehran-Washington negotiations on Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.

“This was an illegal, unprovoked act of aggression,” he said, adding that Iran’s response constitutes self-defense and will continue “for as long as it takes.”

The top Iranian diplomat called on the international community, including Japan, to adopt a position against the US-Israeli strikes.

Araqchi noted that several countries are trying to mediate an end to the war, and said Iran is “open to any initiative and willing to take proposals into consideration.”

He underscored that while diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the United States has yet to exhibit its readiness for a genuine resolution.

The United States and Israel initiated an extensive and unprovoked military offensive against Iran on February 28, assassinating Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei along with several high-ranking military officials and civilians.

The aggression has comprised a series of intensive strikes on both military and civilian installations throughout Iran, leading to considerable loss of life and extensive destruction of civilian facilities.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces immediately began a series of counterattacks, directing missile and drone strikes at American bases across the region and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.


 

 
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