Iran demands foreign forces leave Strait of Hormuz, citing 'constant risk'

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from the Strait of Hormuz, warning that their presence poses a constant threat. Araghchi stated on social media that foreign forces operating near Iranian territory are at risk of "human error, common accidents, or potential entry into crossfire." He suggested that the best solution to avoid such risks is for all foreign forces to leave the region promptly, asserting that it will never be hospitable to enemy presence.

“

Foreign forces near our territory are at constant risk due to their human errors, common accidents, or potential entry into crossfire.

While Araghchi stressed Iran's preference for diplomacy, he also conveyed a strong message: "our brave warriors have shown the world that we know how to speak other languages too." He further argued that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be considered international waters because it is shared by Iran and Oman. However, according to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the strait is treated as international waters, granting all foreign vessels, including warships, the right of unimpeded "transit passage."

“

To avoid risk, the best solution is for all foreign forces to leave this environment as soon as possible, which will never be hospitable to enemy presence.

Neither Iran nor the United States has ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Iran rejects the convention, yet the U.S. is now invoking it. This situation arises after U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States would respond to Iran's downing of an Apache helicopter off the coast of Oman.

“

our brave warriors have shown the world that we know how to speak other languages too.