Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has blamed the United States for recent armed clashes, stating that Washington pressured vessels to detour through slower and more dangerous routes in the Strait of Hormuz instead of designated lanes.

In an interview published in the daily newspaper Iran on the 26th (local time), Araghchi argued that America's insincere attitude triggered the current escalation of tensions surrounding the control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding Article 5 of the previous memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he drew a clear line by stating, "It is explicitly specified that Iran will reopen the strait within one month to secure safety, including mine clearance, and provide related services free of charge for 60 days," adding that there is no ambiguity in the interpretation of the agreement.

Araghchi criticized, "However, instead of the safety-approved routes designated by Iran, the U.S. unilaterally established a slower and more hazardous alternative southern route and pressured ships to reroute."

He also claimed that despite efforts by both sides to dispel misunderstandings by establishing a hotline communication channel in Switzerland, the U.S. intentionally violated the agreement with the intent to undermine Iran's control and sovereignty over the strait.

Additionally, Araghchi stated that the recent conflict between Yemen's pro-Iran Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia must be resolved diplomatically, and that Iran is ready to play a mediating role in the process.

He stated, "The military actions of Yemen (the Houthi rebels) are measures to lift the long-standing Saudi-led blockade, so the blame cannot be shifted to Iran."

Quoting a Persian proverb, "A knot that can be undone with the hands should not be undone with the teeth," Araghchi emphasized, "The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen can only be resolved through diplomatic means, and Iran is ready to play a constructive mediating role in this process."

The pro-Iran Houthi rebels recently blamed Saudi Arabia for an airstrike on the airport in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia following the expiration of a truce.

Since then, the Houthis have attacked Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea.

Araghchi also claimed that striking neighboring countries during the war with the U.S. was a defensive measure.

"During the armed conflict, Iran's strikes on U.S. military bases and facilities in the region were defensive measures," he said, adding, "We are working to restore trust through bilateral consultations with neighboring countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Saudi Arabia."

However, he expressed regret that the territories or airspace of some neighboring countries were utilized for U.S. military operations against Iran, while reiterating a "regional security initiative" for regional countries to solve problems on their own without external intervention.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)