The management of the Strait of Hormuz remains solely under Iran’s authority, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday, warning that any external interference could hinder efforts to restore normal shipping operations and further escalate regional tensions.

Speaking alongside Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein at a joint press conference in Baghdad, Araghchi said Iran would retain full control over the strategic waterway for the next 30 days under existing arrangements. He also warned that any further military action by the United States would only aggravate the situation and complicate efforts to stabilise the region.

Addressing recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said he had briefed his Iraqi counterpart on the negotiations and memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States.

“Under the memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz will be managed based on arrangements adopted by the Islamic Republic of Iran and will return to pre-war capacity within 30 days after obstacles are removed by Iran,” Araghchi said.

He stressed that responsibility for implementing these arrangements rested “solely with the Islamic Republic of Iran” and that “no other institution or country” had any role in managing the waterway.

The Iranian foreign minister warned that any attempt by outside parties to introduce separate arrangements would complicate the reopening process, delay the restoration of normal shipping activity and increase regional tensions.

Referring to recent incidents in the strategic waterway, Araghchi called on all parties to refrain from interfering in the management of the Strait of Hormuz and to adhere to the terms of the memorandum of understanding.

Araghchi said his visit to Iraq came amid what he described as “special circumstances” following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Iranian foreign minister said one of the main objectives of his visit was to express appreciation for the support shown by the Iraqi government and people during the conflict.

He also said he intended to strengthen cooperation with Iraq’s new government across political, economic, security and cultural sectors.

Araghchi added that discussions were held regarding arrangements for funeral ceremonies for Iran’s martyred leader in the Iraqi cities of Baghdad, Kazimayn, Karbala and Najaf.

He thanked Iraqi authorities for their cooperation and said joint meetings would be held to finalise the arrangements.

Araghchi also referred to provisions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, saying it called for an end to hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

He said responsibility for ensuring Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory rested with the United States.

The Iranian foreign minister further said he had discussed regional security arrangements with Hussein, arguing that the recent conflict had highlighted the need for a new regional security framework in the Gulf that excluded external powers.

He welcomed Iraq’s proposal for a regional dialogue mechanism involving the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with Iran and Iraq, in what he described as a “6+2” format, adding that Tehran remained in contact with Baghdad on the initiative.