Iran has reiterated its calls for the withdrawal of American forces from the region. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that peace in the region cannot be maintained through foreign intervention.
In a post on his X account late Thursday, he argued that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has only brought insecurity to the region.
He further claimed that Iranian forces have demonstrated that "foreign powers cannot even protect themselves."
He concluded by stressing that "peace in the region can only be maintained if it is inclusive for everyone, without any foreign intervention."
Commentary on CENTCOM and Hormuz
These remarks came in response to the conclusion of a meeting held in Bahrain between CENTCOM and 12 regional countries. Notably, CENTCOM had issued a statement about the meeting, which indicated that "leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to the freedom of movement of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz," which seemingly angered Tehran.
The Iranian joint military command confirmed on Thursday that all oil tankers must use routes approved by Iran to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, or they will face a "decisive response," according to Iranian state television.
Previously, Iran and the United States had reached an understanding in June, allowing ships to transit the strait without fees for 60 days.
However, Tehran insisted on its control over the shipping routes, subsequently imposing a "service charge" for passage, contradicting longstanding practices in the waterway.
The United States and several Gulf countries asserted they will not agree to the imposition of these fees.