TEHRAN – Iran’s foreign minister told the United Nations secretary general that preventing the passage of vessels belonging to or associated with “the enemy and its allies” is a legal right of Iran as a coastal state, and that Tehran has taken necessary measures while remaining mindful of its responsibilities to ensure maritime safety and security in the waterway.

In a telephone conversation on Thursday with the UN secretary general, António Guterres, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also reaffirmed Tehran’s determination to continue legitimate self-defense of Iran’s national security, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Araqchi condemned the “brutal attacks” by the United States and Israel against civilian targets. He underscored the responsibility of the UN to address flagrant violations of the UN Charter and international law, including human rights and humanitarian law.

Criticizing one-sided calls from some parties for restraint, Araghchi said: “It was the United States, together with the Israeli regime, that committed aggression against Iran. The insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz is a direct consequence of the lawlessness and aggression by the two sides.”

He also called on the United Nations to take serious action and adopt firm, clear positions in fulfilling its mandate to uphold international peace and security, including by condemning the aggressors and mobilizing the organization’s capacities, along with independent states, to hold them accountable.

For his part, Guterres expressed the United Nations’ deep concern over the continuation of war and bloodshed in the region. The secretary general said that his appointment of Jean Arnault as his special envoy for West Asia was intended to facilitate direct engagement with Iranian officials and to consult with the Islamic Republic in efforts to help resolve the crisis.