Araghchi: Responsibility for arrangements in Hormuz Strait rests with Iran alone

Pars Today – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that responsibility for arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz rests solely with Iran and that no other country or entity has any authority in this regard.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, Abbas Araghchi made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference in Baghdad with his Iraqi counterpart, Fuad Hussein. He said that, under the memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz will return to its pre-war operational capacity within 30 days, under a management framework determined by Iran, after the Islamic Republic removes the existing obstacles.

Araghchi also praised the Iraqi government's response to the aggression against Iran, saying Baghdad had adopted clear and responsible positions in condemning the attack and supporting the Iranian people as its victims. He added that the Iraqi people's expressions of solidarity and widespread support had been a source of encouragement for the people of Iran.

The Iranian foreign minister said that one of the main purposes of his visit was to coordinate arrangements for the funeral procession of Iran's martyred Leader in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Karbala, and Najaf. He noted that millions of Iraqis had expressed their willingness to participate, and that, through the cooperation and prudent measures of the Iraqi government, it was decided that the funeral ceremonies would be held in Iraqi cities, particularly at the country's holy shrine cities.

Regarding recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said: "Under the memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz will return to its pre-war operational capacity within 30 days, under a management framework determined by Iran, after the Islamic Republic removes the existing obstacles."

He added: "These arrangements are currently being put in place and implemented. Responsibility for them lies solely with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and under the memorandum of understanding, no other entity or country has any responsibility in this regard. Any interference in this process, or any attempt to establish new or separate arrangements from those being implemented by the Islamic Republic, will only complicate the situation, delay the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and increase regional tensions."

Araghchi continued: "According to Article One of the memorandum of understanding, the war must come to an end on all fronts, including in Lebanon. We regret that the Israeli regime continues its attacks. It is the responsibility of the U.S. government, based on the commitment it undertook on behalf of itself and the Israeli regime under the memorandum of understanding, to stop these attacks, ensure that the cessation of hostilities is implemented there as well, and facilitate a withdrawal from the occupied territories, as stipulated in Article One of the memorandum."

Iraqi FM: Baghdad enjoys excellent relations with Tehran

Speaking at the joint press conference, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said that Iran is an important neighboring country for Iraq and that the two nations share deep historical, geographical, cultural, religious, economic, and strategic ties.

The Iraqi foreign minister said that Araghchi's visit to Iraq, following the formation of the country's new government and the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States in Switzerland, is of great significance. He noted that despite the signing of the memorandum, clashes are still occurring around the Strait of Hormuz.

Expressing regret over the attack on Iran, Hussein said that Iraq's consistent and principled position is to oppose war and aggression against any country.

He further stressed that the continuation of war would bring further destruction to the region, adding that the region must safeguard its own security. Hussein also announced that Baghdad is ready to host representatives of regional countries for talks aimed at promoting regional security and stability.