Iran has clarified that despite rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, Indian shipping will not be affected. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fattahli, stated that vessels traveling through the strategic waterway will face no obstruction, assuring that the route remains open and secure for India. He also noted that India continues to remain one of Iran’s closest partners, with ongoing direct communication between both sides on maritime issues.
His remarks come amid reports of heightened U.S. naval activity in the region, including restrictions on vessels approaching Iranian ports. Fattahli, however, reiterated that Iranian authorities are committed to ensuring uninterrupted passage for friendly nations, particularly India, despite the evolving geopolitical situation in the Gulf.
The Iranian envoy also criticized the recent US-Iran talks held in Islamabad, which reportedly ended without any breakthrough. He accused the United States of using negotiations as a tool to pressure Iran rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue, and insisted that any future talks must respect Iran’s rights and reject what he described as “illegal demands.” He further referred to Washington’s 2018 withdrawal from the nuclear agreement as a major point of mistrust.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials alleged external interference in the failed negotiations, claiming that Israel influenced the outcome of the talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had contacted US Vice President JD Vance during the discussions. Tehran accused Washington of aligning with Israeli interests and attempting to achieve through diplomacy what could not be achieved through military means.