In a telephone conversation with his Filipino counterpart Maria Theresa P. Lazaro on Thursday, Araqchi discussed regional developments and maritime security, emphasizing Iran’s approach to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions.
At the start of the call, Lazaro conveyed condolences over the martyrdom of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, as well as a number of Iranian officials and citizens, during military aggression by the United States and the Israeli regime. She also expressed hope for a swift end to the conflict and the restoration of lasting peace and stability in the region.
Araqchi, while appreciating the sympathy expressed by the Philippine government and people, outlined the crimes committed by the United States and the Zionist regime during 34 days of military attacks against Iran. He identified their unlawful aggression as the root cause of insecurity in the region and in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian foreign minister stressed that Iran’s measures to prevent the passage of vessels linked to aggressors are in accordance with international law and aimed at safeguarding security in the waterway and preventing further military attacks.
He added that, despite the imposed insecurity, Iran has adopted a responsible approach by facilitating safe passage for non-hostile ships through coordination with relevant Iranian authorities.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.
The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.
In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.