Iran’s FM Araghchi terms US attacks obstacle in way of opening of Strait of Hormuz 

Iran’s Foreign Minister (FM) Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that the government of Iraq had strongly condemned the US attacks on Iran, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Addressing a joint press conference along with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Baghdad, Araghchi said that the US attacks were an obstacle in the way of complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz. “Interference by another party in the restoration of movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz will complicate matters,” he said, adding, “Because it is only Iran’s job to regulate the movement of ships through the waterway.”

"Any challenge to the country's control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz will increase tensions despite ongoing peace negotiations to end the Middle East war," he made it clear.

AFP adds: Araghchi said, "Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and will increase the tensions, as we witnessed in the past two nights." 

Tehran's top diplomat called on all parties to "adhere to the memorandum of understanding and not to allow this MoU to deviate from its course" after both sides traded attacks in recent days.

Iran FM calls for a security framework with Gulf countries

Iran's foreign minister called on Sunday for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf countries, after Iranian strikes against US bases in the Gulf in retaliation for American attacks.

"We should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region," Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Iraq’s foreign minister said it was unfortunate that clashes were still taking place around the Strait of Hormuz. “This war is a threat to the entire region. And it must stop now,” he asserted.

He stressed the need for all countries to work together to keep the region safe. “During my discussion with Iran’s FM, emphasis was laid on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open,” he informed.

Iraq’s FM said that his country would cooperate with Iran to enhance security in the Middle East.

Earlier, Araghchi arrived in Baghdad on an official visit.

Soon after arrival, he visited the site where Iranian commander Qasim Suleimani had been killed.

During his stay in Baghdad, Iran’s FM would hold meetings with senior Iraqi officials, and would exchange views with them over the latest situation in the Gulf, regional stability and bilateral relations.