Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that threats against Iranian ports, coasts, and ships, along with escalatory rhetoric, “indicate bad intentions,” during a phone call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar.

Araghchi stressed that Iran “will use all its capabilities to safeguard its interests and national security,” according to statements cited by the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The ministry also reported that Araghchi and Dar agreed on the need to continue consultations in order to achieve the goal of maintaining peace and security in the region.

In a related context, Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated on the platform X that “the security of the Strait of Hormuz comes at a price.” He added that Iran cannot have its oil exports restricted while others expect free protection.

Aref said, “The choice is clear: either a free oil market for all, or bearing the risk of severe costs affecting everyone.” He had previously emphasized that the management and control of the Strait of Hormuz must be in Iran’s hands, asserting that Tehran will preserve its gains, particularly in the strategic waterway area, according to Iran’s ISNA news agency.

These statements come after the public relations office of the naval force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until the blockade on Iranian ports is lifted. The announcement followed violations of the ceasefire conditions and the continued maritime blockade imposed on Iranian ships and ports, while Iranian media reported that “no clear path for productive negotiations appears on the horizon under these circumstances.”