Iran's foreign minister condemns US military moves in Persian Gulf

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has issued a strong condemnation of the United States' military buildup in the Persian Gulf, framing it as an illegitimate attempt to dictate how Iran conducts its defense activities near its own territorial waters. The diplomat's comments come as the U.S. announces the movement of a significant naval fleet toward Iran, heightening fears of a direct confrontation.

Accusations of Hypocrisy and Absurdity

In a statement on social media platform X, Araghchi attached a map highlighting the vast distance between the U.S. and the Strait of Hormuz to underscore his point about external interference. "Operating off our shores, the U.S. military is now attempting to dictate how our Powerful Armed Forces should conduct target practice in their own turf," he wrote. He specifically criticized U.S. Central Command's calls for Iranian "professionalism" while Washington and the European Union maintain the designation of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, calling this contradiction "the level of absurdity the world is now facing."

Defense of the IRGC and Critique of Foreign Presence

Araghchi vigorously defended the IRGC, describing it as "the protector of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz" and a "formidable force" proven against terrorists and invaders. He emphasized that freedom of navigation and the safety of commercial vessels through the vital strait are paramount for Iran and its neighbors. The foreign minister contended that the presence of outside military forces has historically promoted escalation rather than de-escalation in the region, undermining stated goals of security.

Context of Rising Tensions

The diplomatic broadside aligns with increased military activity. Iran has announced plans for live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz next week. This follows U.S. President Donald Trump's statement on Saturday confirming the dispatch of a "large fleet toward Iran," which he claimed was larger than forces deployed to Venezuela. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical chokepoints for global oil shipments, through which approximately 20% of the world's supply passes, making any instability there a major international concern.