Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani Baqaei on Friday addressed recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional tensions, attributing escalating security concerns to ongoing US and Israeli actions against Tehran. Speaking amid heightened international scrutiny, Baqaei disputed claims by Washington that Iran’s influence over the strategic waterway had diminished.
Baqaei characterized the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a direct outcome of what he described as a US-Israeli “war” against Iran, which he said began on February 28. He rejected assertions that Iran had lost its strategic leverage over the passage, emphasizing continued Iranian measures to secure the waterway in response to perceived hostile actions. According to Baqaei, Iran’s efforts align with international law and are necessary due to security threats reportedly originating from the strait, which has long been a vital artery for global energy supplies.
“The Americans’ claims do not match what we see on the ground,” Baqaei stated, highlighting global market fluctuations and states’ efforts to ensure fuel supplies as evidence of the waterway’s ongoing importance. He further linked the restoration of security in the strait to the cessation of US naval blockades and economic pressure on Iran, which Tehran views as aggressive acts with repercussions extending beyond its borders to the wider region and international markets.
Addressing US assertions of control over the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei questioned Washington’s narrative by pointing to reports that the United States is seeking oil supplies from Russia, suggesting the contradiction points to unresolved tensions in the waterway.
On diplomatic fronts, Baqaei confirmed that Iran is reviewing a US response to its seven-point proposal aimed at de-escalating conflict and resolving key issues. The proposal, presented during recent United Nations General Assembly meetings, calls for lifting the US-led naval blockade, ending hostilities, and releasing Iranian assets. Tehran said it continues to communicate with Washington through intermediaries, principally Pakistan and Qatar, with Russia also playing a facilitative role. Baqaei noted the evaluation process is ongoing and that the lifting of new US sanctions imposed during these exchanges is a prerequisite for progress.
Turning to the nuclear issue, Baqaei questioned the US focus on Iran’s nuclear program despite prior US assertions that it had been dismantled. He suggested that repeated attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, coupled with a lack of effective international response, have triggered domestic debates regarding Iran’s future participation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Baqaei also pointed out challenges confronting the global non-proliferation regime across its core objectives of disarmament, prevention of nuclear proliferation, and equitable access to peaceful nuclear technology.
Regarding regional dynamics, Baqaei expressed Iran’s concern over heightened tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen. He reaffirmed Tehran’s willingness to act as a mediator to reduce conflict, warning that ongoing violence between two Muslim nations could undermine regional stability and be exploited by Israel. He urged all parties to recommit to dialogue based on prior agreements to avoid further escalation.
Baqaei also voiced support for strengthening cooperation among Middle Eastern states, welcoming recent improvements in Iraq-Saudi relations and reiterating Tehran’s endorsement of Persian Gulf initiatives aimed at fostering trust and security independent of foreign actors. He stressed that enhanced regional dialogue and unity would be key to countering external interference.
On allegations that the United Arab Emirates is providing support to terrorist groups operating in eastern Iran, Baqaei indicated that Iranian security agencies are monitoring such activities. He described these efforts to destabilize Iran’s borders as components of a broader US-Israeli strategy but did not specify which neighboring state might be involved. Tehran maintains ongoing consultations with its regional neighbors to prevent militant groups from exploiting current tensions.
The remarks reflect Iran’s broader narrative linking its security challenges to foreign pressure and underscore Tehran’s calls for diplomatic engagement to defuse multiple regional flashpoints.