Iran's Araghchi, German Minister Wadephul discuss Strait of Hormuz crisis, ways to end conflict
Tehran, August 11
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul held a phone call to discuss the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and ways to end the ongoing conflict, Al Jazeera reported.
According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi told Wadephul that ensuring security in the strait depends on halting US military operations, including what he described as Washington's naval blockade of Iranian ports.
He also urged the international community to hold the United States responsible for the security and economic fallout that would result from any closure of the strait.
Wadephul, for his part, said he had called on Araghchi to engage constructively in talks with regional neighbours and with the US to help bring the conflict to a close.
The German foreign minister further stressed that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened without conditions to ensure the freedom and safety of navigation for all vessels.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran's parliamentary commission for National Security and Foreign Policy passed the broad framework of a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering regional security and sustainable development in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Press TV, the commission spokesman Hassan Qashqavi stated that lawmakers reviewed the draft proposal alongside delegates from pertinent government organisations and institutions.
Qashqavi noted that committee members evaluated both oral and written feedback from the participating agencies prior to unanimously endorsing the plan's general outline without any votes against it, Press TV reported.
The legislative proposal, titled the "Strategic Action for the Security and Sustainable Progress of the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf," was officially submitted to the Iranian parliament on July 13.
On Saturday, Araghchi said that the deal with Oman on a legal mechanism for managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is "very close", but reopening the strategic waterway will be subject to additional conditions, including compensation from the US over the latter's violations of the memorandum.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Of course the US is not going to take responsibility for anything. They've been destabilizing the region for years, from Iraq to Iran sanctions. Germany is trying to play mediator here, but will it actually work? These are literally real-world people and economies at stake, not a video game. This is a shared global concern, not just a Middle East problem.
It's easy for Western nations to talk about "free navigation" when they have alternate supply lines or can absorb higher costs. But let me tell you, for developing countries like India, any disruption in this strait means LPG prices, petrol, diesel – everything skyrockets. We feel it in our daily budgets right away. I appreciate Germany's efforts, but the real pressure should be on Washington to stop the provocations.
Iran should indeed keep the Hormuz strait open, but they are not wrong to demand compensation from the US for the economic sabotage through sanctions and naval blockades. As Indians, we understand the pain of external pressure - we faced sanctions during our nuclear tests too. Constructive diplomacy, not warships, should be the way forward. Germany's suggestion for unconditional opening seems a bit idealistic when Iran feels threatened.
Why don't they solve this in the UN? This is exactly what the international body is for. India has always advocated for dialogue and diplomacy, and this situation is no different. I just hope the leaders around the table remember that millions of working-class families in Asia, Africa, and beyond will suffer if this escalates. The common people's voices are often absent when these geopolitical moves are made. 🌏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.