Beril Çanakcı
15 March 2026•Update: 15 March 2026
ISTANBUL
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that the US is seeking help from countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that Washington’s regional security umbrella has failed to deter conflict.
Araghchi wrote on US social media platform X that the US security framework in the region has “proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble.”
He claimed that Washington is “begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe,” referring to the vital shipping route through which a large share of global oil passes.
Araghchi urged neighboring countries to expel “foreign aggressors,” saying their only concern is Israel.
Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz since around March 1, amid escalating hostilities with the US and Israel. Disruptions to shipping through the strait have pushed up global oil and fertilizer prices, raising concerns about energy supplies.
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that countries receiving oil through the strategic waterway should take responsibility for securing the key maritime passage, and that the US would assist. Earlier, he said US Navy escorts for oil tankers transiting the strait could begin “soon.”
In an interview with American MS Now TV, Araghchi said the waterway “is open” to ships not belonging to the US, Israel or their allies. “Others are free to pass,” he added.
Regional tensions have surged since the US and Israel launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28. The strikes have killed at least 1,300 people in Iran, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
