11 March,2026 02:03 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Iran has blamed the United States for disruptions in global energy shipping routes amid the escalating West Asia conflict, accusing Washington of creating instability that has affected the movement of crude oil and gas through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, reported news agency PTI.
The remarks were made by Iran's foreign ministry in a statement issued on Wednesday following a phone conversation between India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
According to the Iranian foreign ministry's readout of the call, Araghchi held the United States responsible for the disruptions in the flow of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, reported PTI.
"Referring to Iran's principled approach to safeguarding shipping security in the Persian Gulf, Iran's foreign minister reminded that the insecure situation and problems arising for shipping in the Persian Gulf are a result of the aggressive and destabilising actions of the US," the statement said, reported PTI.
Iran also argued that the international community should hold Washington accountable for the current instability affecting maritime energy routes in the region.
During the conversation, Araghchi reportedly briefed Jaishankar on what he described as the "crimes" committed by the United States and Israel during the past 11 days of hostilities, reported PTI.
According to the Iranian account, he mentioned missile attacks on civilian targets, including a girls' school in Minab, as well as other strikes on civilian infrastructure, reported PTI.
The Iranian foreign minister reiterated Tehran's determination to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing conflict.
The ongoing conflict has significantly affected energy markets worldwide, with oil and gas prices rising sharply after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was disrupted.
The narrow maritime corridor connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical energy transit route for global markets.
Approximately 20 per cent of the world's crude oil and a significant share of global liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass through the waterway, making any disruption a major concern for energy-importing countries.
The Iranian foreign ministry also described the military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel as a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, reported PTI.
According to the statement, governments around the world have a responsibility to condemn what Iran termed "military aggression and blatant law-breaking", reported PTI.
The remarks reflect Tehran's continued criticism of the military operations launched against it in recent weeks.
During the discussion, Jaishankar emphasised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between India and Iran while highlighting the need for continued diplomatic engagement to restore stability in the region, reported PTI.
The Indian minister also stressed the importance of consultations and dialogue to address the growing tensions in West Asia.
Later on Tuesday night, Jaishankar confirmed the conversation on social media, stating that he had held a "detailed" discussion with Araghchi regarding the evolving situation.
The latest call marks the third conversation between the two foreign ministers since the conflict began on February 28 following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The strikes reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Jaishankar and Araghchi had first spoken shortly after the attacks on February 28 and again on March 5 as tensions in the region continued to escalate.
The ongoing hostilities have heightened global concerns over regional stability, energy security and the safety of international shipping routes.
(With inputs from PTI)
