Iran has accused the United States of starting the ongoing conflict and then expecting the international community to bear its economic costs. The accusation comes as tensions continue to rise around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei made the remarks in a post on X. He said the Strait of Hormuz had remained fully open until February 28. He claimed the situation changed after the United States and Israel attacked Iran.
Baghaei accused Washington of trying to shift responsibility for disruptions in the strategic waterway. He argued that the United States started the conflict but was now attempting to blame Iran for its consequences.
According to the Iranian official, the conflict has affected commercial shipping and tanker movements. He also claimed that disruptions have affected international trade and contributed to higher energy prices.
Baghaei described the US military campaign as unlawful and brutal. He said Washington was attempting to present the economic consequences of the conflict as costs caused by Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said Iran and Oman had reached an understanding over navigation routes. The routes would apply to ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Rezaei said Iran and Oman would sign an agreement in the coming days. He also announced plans for a restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Rezaei, the proposed restricted zone would extend from the US blockade line toward the Gulf. He warned that vessels entering the zone could be placed on a sanctions list.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps also reported an incident involving a US drone boat. The IRGC claimed its forces targeted the drone boat after it allegedly attempted to enter a restricted area.
The IRGC said its naval forces were closely monitoring US military movements in the region. It warned that suspicious activity could trigger a strong response from Iranian forces.
The Iranian military organization described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic waterway under Iran’s administration. It also warned that US military activity in the area would face what it called decisive action.
The United States, however, denied the Iranian claim. US military officials rejected reports that an American drone boat had been targeted in the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, Iranian state media had also reported that Iranian forces targeted a naval drone. The drone was allegedly attempting to enter a restricted area of the strategic waterway.
The competing claims have added to concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is a major route for global energy shipments and remains highly important to international trade.
Any prolonged disruption could increase pressure on shipping markets and energy prices. The latest developments have therefore drawn international attention as Iran and the United States continue to exchange accusations over the situation.
Also read: Trump Says Iran War May End Soon
