Iran blames US, Israel for Hormuz tensions as crisis risks energy supplies

Al Jazeera
March 17, 2026
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4 min read

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Iran's Foreign Minister blamed the U.S. and Israel for military actions disrupting Strait of Hormuz shipping carrying one-third of global seaborne oil.

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Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi has blamed the United States and Israel for military actions that disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, calling for international condemnation of what he characterized as "military aggression." The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint through which roughly one-third of the world's seaborne oil passes, making any disruption to transit a significant threat to energy markets and economic stability. Araghchi's statement signals Tehran's intent to escalate the diplomatic dimension of ongoing tensions in the region, framing Iran as the victim of external aggression rather than the aggressor. The incident underscores the fragility of energy supply chains in the Middle East and the risk that military confrontations could drive oil prices higher and disrupt economies worldwide. Iran's appeal for global condemnation reflects its effort to build international pressure against what it views as hostile actions, even as regional tensions remain elevated.

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