Iran Defends Strait of Hormuz Closure, Blames US and Israel

Iran formally defended its decision to close the Strait of Hormuz, calling the move a necessary and lawful response to military attacks by the United States and Israel launched from bases in the Persian Gulf. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated the closure was consistent with international law and aimed at preventing further aggression against Iran.

Baghaei acknowledged that the shutdown of one of the world's most critical energy and trade chokepoints has disrupted global shipping and negatively impacted India. He attributed those economic consequences directly to Washington and Tel Aviv, claiming that despite Iranian willingness to reopen the strait, the U.S. President has maintained a blockade preventing normal transit.

The diplomatic fallout continues even as Iran seeks to preserve key bilateral relationships. Iran emphasized that its ties with India remain strong, noting that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meeting in Delhi from May 14 to 15. That gathering may serve as a venue for Iran to lobby support or clarify its position among major emerging economies affected by the strait's closure.

The standoff leaves global energy markets and shipping routes in limbo, with Iran framing the disruption as a defensive measure forced upon it by foreign military action rather than an escalatory choice of its own.