Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Kazem Gharibabadi, told CNN-News18 that the Hormuz Crisis and the resultant fuel price increase were because of USA
As US President Donald Trump touches down in Beijing, Iran expresses hope that Xi Jinping will push for a solution to the Hormuz crisis. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr Kazem Gharibabadi, told CNN-News18 during a media interaction that since China too was suffering because of the Hormuz naval blockade by USA, a solution was in its interest too.
“All countries, including China, are suffering because of the aggression (of USA) and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. We don’t need to tell China anything directly. There is a deep-rooted and long-standing relation that Iran has with China,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said when asked what Iran expected from the Xi-Trump summit.
Dr Kazem Gharibabadi reiterated that the Hormuz Crisis and the resultant fuel price increase were because of USA and not Iran. He, however, made it clear that Iran will continue to charge a toll in future for ships crossing Hormuz.
“Iran is only charging for services that are being provided (to ships crossing Hormuz). Iran does not have any international obligation since it is not a signatory to maritime conventions but still we will not go beyond international law. There will be more safety and security but only if peace is restored,” he said.
The Deputy Foreign Minister expressed hopes that the 11 Indian ships, which are waiting to transit Hormuz, will soon be able to do so, given the good relations between India and Iran. “Countries which sided with the aggressor will find it difficult to let their ships pass,” he said.
India’s leadership of BRICS – Mature
The Iranian Minister is visiting India to attend the BRICS Foreign Minister meet. The Deputy FM of Iran gave a huge thumbs up to India’s leadership of the bloc. “India as the chair is showing impartiality. It is supportive. If most members advocate an idea, even if India’s own view may be slightly different, it is not blocking,” Dr Gharibabadi said when asked if India wanted to tone down the anti-Israel language in the joint statement.
