Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any interference with Iran's arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would lead to further complications [1, 2].
Control over the Strait of Hormuz is critical because the narrow waterway serves as the world's most important chokepoint for oil exports. Any disruption to shipping in the region threatens global energy prices and increases the risk of direct military conflict between regional powers and the U.S.
Araghchi made the remarks on June 27, 2026 [1], during a joint press briefing in Baghdad, Iraq, alongside Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein [1, 2]. The Iranian minister said that the interference would escalate regional tensions [1, 2].
Araghchi also issued a warning regarding the movement of ships through the waterway. He said that if any vessel attempts to transit in the Strait without Iranian permission or outside of a designated route, that vessel is responsible for any consequences [2].
Beyond the maritime dispute, Araghchi called for a cessation of military operations across the region [1]. He blamed the U.S. for failing to stop Israeli strikes and urged for an end to the violence [1, 2].
During the briefing, the Iranian minister expressed support for a diplomatic path forward. He said that Iran welcomes Iraq's proposal for a regional dialogue to address the ongoing instability [1].
Reports on the current state of the waterway vary. Some sources indicate the Strait was already closed prior to the announcement, while others suggest Iran recently announced a complete closure to all commercial ships and oil tankers [2]. Additionally, reports differ on whether Iran has already struck a commercial vessel or is simply warning that it will shoot vessels attempting to transit without permission [2].
“Any interference in Iran's arrangements to reopen the strategic waterway will lead to "further complications".”
The Iranian government is attempting to assert sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz by framing the reopening of the waterway as a unilateral Iranian 'arrangement.' By linking the maritime situation to Israeli strikes and U.S. inaction, Tehran is using the chokepoint as diplomatic leverage to pressure the U.S. into curbing Israeli military operations while simultaneously utilizing Iraq as a mediator to maintain a veneer of regional cooperation.
