Iran rejects ‘should and must’ language from Western powers, Baghaei says
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, said the United States and other Western countries have no right to use “should and must” language when dealing with Tehran.
“Iran categorically rejects any ‘should and must’ language from Western parties,” Baghaei said, adding that “the Islamic Republic of Iran makes decisions based on the interests and rights of its own nation”.
Addressing the US naval blockade, Baghaei described it as “illegal from day one”, arguing that it violates both the ceasefire and freedom of navigation.
He added that if Washington ends the blockade, it would merely be “stopping an unlawful act it should never have committed” and should not be viewed as a concession to Iran.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said commercial vessels currently transit only after coordination with Iran and stated that Iran and Oman would jointly establish mechanisms to guarantee both national security and the safety of international shipping.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei speaks during weekly press conference in Tehran, 28 October 2024 (Atta Kenare/AFP)