Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that as a coastal state, Iran has the legal right to prevent vessels belonging to or affiliated with the United States, Israel, and their allies from passing through the Strait of Hormuz. During a telephone conversation with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, Araghchi exchanged views on the humanitarian and security consequences of the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, as reported by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Friday. According to the Argentine News Agency, Araghchi informed Guterres of the latest developments in the conflict and the 'crimes' perpetrated by the United States and Israel, emphasizing Iran's firm determination to continue the 'legitimate' defense of its national security and sovereignty, as well as its territorial integrity. In this regard, he condemned the 'brutal' US-Israeli attacks against civilian targets, including schools, hospitals, cultural and historical buildings, public spaces, and residential areas. He also highlighted the UN's responsibility to prosecute the 'flagrant violations' of the UN Charter and international law, including human rights and international humanitarian law, committed by the 'aggressors'. Araghchi criticized the positions and unilateral demands of some parties for Iran to act with restraint and end the war, stressing that 'it should not be overlooked the evident fact that it was the United States, together with Israel, that launched the military aggression against Iran and imposed war on the region and the world, repeating its betrayal of diplomacy and endangering the security and interests of all states in the region'. He affirmed that the insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct consequence of the 'violation of the law and the aggression' of the United States and Israel, and described it as Iran's legal right as a coastal state to prevent the passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with the United States, Israel, and their allies. Furthermore, Araghchi clarified that, while conscious of its responsibilities to ensure the security and protection of navigation in the maritime route, the relevant Iranian authorities have taken the necessary measures. The official also urged the United Nations to protect international peace and security by condemning the aggressors and holding them accountable. Guterres, for his part, emphasized the principled position of the UN on the need to respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, expressing his deep concern over the regional conflict.
