Iranian FM Araghchi blames US, Israel for Persian Gulf insecurity

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call with Cyprus Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos, blamed the United States and Israel for insecurity in the Persian Gulf. Araghchi stated that U.S. "criminal and provocative actions" in the Strait of Hormuz have not only endangered regional peace and security but also caused unprecedented disruption to commercial shipping. He called on the international community to hold the United States responsible for these actions.

Kombos emphasized his country's commitment to regional peace and security and underlined the need to use diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation. The call follows days of intensifying military exchanges, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) striking U.S. bases across the Middle East and closing the Strait of Hormuz, while American warplanes have repeatedly hit Iranian coastal positions.

The conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the strategic waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies normally passes. According to Mehr News Agency, the situation remains tense as both sides continue military operations.