The foreign minister of Iran stated that safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz depends on cooperation with Iranian Armed Forces, contingent upon the opposing side’s adherence to ceasefire commitments and considering the technical constraints.
In a telephone conversation with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on Thursday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi elaborated on the current situation in the region following the declaration of a ceasefire in the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran.
He expressed appreciation for the stances taken by various countries, including South Korea, in support of halting the war and establishing a ceasefire. Araqchi emphasized the necessity for all parties to adhere to this ceasefire as a basis for achieving a complete end to the conflict on all fronts, as noted in a message from the prime minister of Pakistan.
Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Araqchi stated that secure passage through the strait would be possible in coordination with the Iranian Armed Forces, provided that the opposing side honors its commitments during the ceasefire period and takes into account existing technical limitations.
In response, the South Korean foreign minister welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire and the halt of hostilities on all fronts. He underscored the importance of stopping military attacks throughout the region and ensuring lasting stability and security through continued negotiations and tangible results.
The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on bilateral relations between Tehran and Seoul, as well as consular cooperation.
The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians, on February 28.
In retaliation, Iranian Armed Forces launched attacks on American and Israeli positions in the region, demonstrating their capability to strike back effectively. Despite initial expectations by the attackers of a swift victory, the Iranian response proved significantly more potent, inflicting heavy damage on US and Israeli military resources while rallying the nation’s unity and resistance.
While the US president had issued an ultimatum, Pakistani mediation facilitated an agreement for a two-week ceasefire during which negotiations would take place in Islamabad. Iran has proposed a ten-point plan as the foundation for discussions, seeking terms such as the withdrawal of US forces from the region, the lifting of sanctions, and establishing control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Supreme National Security Council of Iran emphasized on April 8 that the aggression led to a historic victory for Iran, compelling the US to accept negotiation terms, including a plan for guaranteed non-aggression and the cessation of hostilities.
Iran has stressed that the negotiations would not signify an end to the conflict but rather an extension of the battlefield into diplomatic efforts, with a clear stance of distrust towards the US.
Source: Iranian media (edite dby Al-Manar)