Strait of Hormuz Operations Unaffected Until February Strike
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei has accused the United States of attempting to shift blame onto Tehran for regional instability caused by a US-Israeli military campaign. Speaking on social media platform X, Baghaei asserted that the Strait of Hormuz remained fully open to commercial shipping until February 28, when he claimed the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. He described the ensuing conflict as an „illegal and brutal war” that disrupted global trade routes and provoked international condemnation. The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, with Tehran insisting it did not initiate hostilities and accusing Washington of fabricating narratives to justify its actions. Baghaei’s statement reflects Iran’s broader strategy of portraying itself as a victim of Western aggression while defending its regional influence.
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The High-Stakes Fight for Senate Majority ControlBaghaei emphasized that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, functioned normally prior to the alleged February 28 offensive. He argued that any disruption to shipping lanes resulted directly from US-Israeli military operations, not Iranian activity. The Strait, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes, has frequently been a flashpoint in US-Iran relations. Iran has historically threatened to close the waterway in response to sanctions or military pressure, but Baghaei’s claim suggests Tehran maintained compliance with international navigation norms until the recent escalation. His comments aim to counter Western assertions that Iran’s behavior threatens regional stability, instead placing responsibility on American and Israeli forces for triggering the crisis.
How Does Iran Justify Its Regional Role Amid Accusations?
Iran maintains that its military presence in neighboring countries like Syria and Iraq is defensive and invited by legitimate governments, contrasting it with what it calls unlawful US interventions. Baghaei reiterated that Tehran seeks dialogue but will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty. He pointed to years of sanctions, assassinations of Iranian scientists, and cyberattacks as evidence of a sustained US campaign against Iran. While denying direct involvement in attacks on US forces in the region, Iran continues to support allied groups it labels as resistance movements. This framing allows Tehran to position its actions as legitimate self-defense rather than expansionism, even as Gulf Arab states and Western powers express concern over its growing influence.
What specific event did Baghaei reference as the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran? Baghaei cited February 28 as the date when the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran, claiming this marked the beginning of a conflict that disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and provoked regional instability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Iran claim the Strait of Hormuz remained open before the alleged attack? According to Baghaei, commercial shipping through the Strait operated without interruption until February 28, implying that any subsequent blockages or dangers were caused solely by US-Israeli military actions, not Iranian policy.
How does Iran respond to accusations that it destabilizes the region through proxy groups? Iran denies direct control over allied militias in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, stating these groups act independently while sharing ideological goals. Tehran insists its foreign policy is based on mutual defense agreements and resistance to foreign occupation, not aggression.
