Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared that foreign forces positioned close to Iranian territory are at “constant risk” because of possible human error, accidents or crossfire situations, and called for them to leave the area.
“To reduce these risks, the best solution is for foreign forces to leave, as soon as possible, an environment that will never be hospitable to a hostile presence,” wrote Araghchi in a post on the X platform.
The statements came after United States President Donald Trump held Iran responsible for the downing of an American Apache helicopter that was on night patrol in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Trump, Washington needs to respond to the episode.
Control of the waterway is among the most delicate topics in talks between the US and Iran. Tehran claims the right to manage the strait and charge navigation and security fees, while Washington maintains a naval blockade against ships that stop in Iranian ports, with the aim of putting pressure on the country’s economy.
At the same time, the partial closure of Hormuz triggered the biggest energy crisis since the 1970s, restricting export options for oil, natural gas and other commodities to Persian Gulf countries and raising global concerns about supply and prices.
Here is the full message published by Araghchi: “The Strait of Hormuz is not located in international waters, but in waters shared by Iran and Oman, thousands of miles from the coast of the United States. The maritime boundaries are absolutely clear. Our powerful Armed Forces remain on constant alert for any violation of Iranian airspace, territory or territorial waters. Foreign forces operating close to our territory face constant risks due to human error, accidents or the possibility of being hit in crossfire. To reduce these risks, the best solution is for foreign forces to leave, as soon as possible, an environment that will never be hospitable to a hostile presence. However, as our courageous warriors have shown the world, we also know how to speak other languages.”
