Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghae responded to claims by Western officials and media that Iran had exacerbated current global economic and energy tensions, stating that a media propaganda campaign attempting to distort cause and effect is underway. Baghae stated that the facts are clear: the Strait of Hormuz remained open until the 9th of Aban in the Iranian calendar (February 28th in the Gregorian calendar). The current deterioration in shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz, and its resulting impact on the regional and global economy, stems from actions taken by the US and Israeli regimes. He added that if countries expressing concern about the current situation are truly serious, they should confront those responsible and seize every opportunity to compel the US to cease its ongoing acts of aggression.
