JAKARTA - Iran reiterated its desire to ensure the safety of ship navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but again stated that the United States was hindering the effort.
Talks in Oman last weekend were focused entirely on new arrangements for the strait.
"Our effort is to reach a mechanism, through consultations with Oman, to ensure the safety of ship navigation," said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, Monday, July 13, reported by CNN.
"But this has not been achieved due to open and veiled pressure from the United States on Oman," he continued.
Baghaei's statement came after the US attacks that lasted for two consecutive nights in Iranian territory, which Iran responded to by targeting US military facilities in a number of Gulf countries.
"As long as Washington continues to violate its commitments, the Islamic Republic of Iran will refrain from fulfilling its agreed obligations," Baghaei said.
"As a coastal country, Iran has the right and responsibility to take necessary measures "to safeguard our national security and interests," Baghaei said.
In addition, the US claim regarding the escort of commercial vessels is actually proof of Washington's intention to perpetuate insecurity in the region.
Iran insists it has a role in regulating traffic in the strait. Meanwhile, the United States demands unhindered navigation freedom and encourages ships to use routes close to the coast of Oman.
Last weekend, an Indian container ship was hit by a drone off the coast of Oman. The IRGC Navy said the ship, which used an unofficial route in the strait, was "hit" by a warning shot and then stopped.
The incident triggered further attacks by the US on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 local time.
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