TEHRAN, Iran

Oil prices are likely to continue rising, Iran’s foreign minister said Friday, putting the blame for this development on the US and Israel.

“Considering the policies of the United States and Israel in the region, prices are likely to continue rising in the future," Abbas Araghchi told Anadolu while attending the pro-Palestinian Quds Day march in the capital Tehran.

The Iranian people are in the streets "in the millions" despite the US-Israeli attacks, he said.

“Not only in Tehran but in all cities, the Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated its determination to support Jerusalem, Palestine, and all the ideals we have defended for years.

"Hopefully, we will continue with this strength and determination, and our enemies will have to recognize the strength of the Iranian people," he added.

Since Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing some 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, hostilities have escalated.

⁠Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Iran has effectively closed the critical Strait of Hormuz since around March 1.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel