Iran blames US for energy route disruptions amid West Asia conflict

Iran has blamed the United States for disruptions in global energy shipping routes amid the escalating West Asia conflict accusing Washington of creating instability that has affected the movement of crude oil and gas through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz reported news agency PTIThe remarks were made by Iranrsquos foreign ministry in a statement issued on Wednesday following a phone conversation between Indiarsquos External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranrsquos Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas AraghchiIran accuses US of destabilising energy routesAccording to the Iranian foreign ministryrsquos readout of the call Araghchi held the United States responsible for the disruptions in the flow of oil and gas shipments through the Strait of Hormuz reported PTIReferring to Iranrsquos principled approach to safeguarding shipping security in the Persian Gulf Iranrsquos foreign minister reminded that the insecure situation and problems arising for shipping in the Persian Gulf are a result of the aggressive and destabilising actions of the US the statement said reported PTIIran also argued that the international community should hold Washington accountable for the current instability affecting maritime energy routes in the regionDetails shared on recent military strikesDuring the conversation Araghchi reportedly briefed Jaishankar on what he described as the ldquocrimesrdquo committed by the United States and Israel during the past 11 days of hostilities reported PTIAccording to the Iranian account he mentioned missile attacks on civilian targets including a girlsrsquo school in Minab as well as other strikes on civilian infrastructure reported PTIThe Iranian foreign minister reiterated Tehranrsquos determination to defend the countryrsquos sovereignty and territorial integrity amid the ongoing conflictStrait of Hormuz disruptions impact global energy marketsThe ongoing conflict has significantly affected energy markets worldwide with oil and gas prices rising sharply after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz was disruptedThe narrow maritime corridor connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and serves as a critical energy transit route for global marketsApproximately 20 per cent of the worldrsquos crude oil and a significant share of global liquefied natural gas LNG shipments pass through the waterway making any disruption a major concern for energyimporting countriesIran calls strikes violation of international lawThe Iranian foreign ministry also described the military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel as a violation of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter reported PTIAccording to the statement governments around the world have a responsibility to condemn what Iran termed ldquomilitary aggression and blatant lawbreakingrdquo reported PTIThe remarks reflect Tehranrsquos continued criticism of the military operations launched against it in recent weeksIndia stresses need for stability and dialogueDuring the discussion Jaishankar emphasised the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations between India and Iran while highlighting the need for continued diplomatic engagement to restore stability in the region reported PTIThe Indian minister also stressed the importance of consultations and dialogue to address the growing tensions in West AsiaLater on Tuesday night Jaishankar confirmed the conversation on social media stating that he had held a ldquodetailedrdquo discussion with Araghchi regarding the evolving situationThird conversation since conflict beganThe latest call marks the third conversation between the two foreign ministers since the conflict began on February 28 following military strikes by the United States and Israel against IranThe strikes reportedly resulted in the death of Iranrsquos Supreme Leader Ali KhameneiJaishankar and Araghchi had first spoken shortly after the attacks on February 28 and again on March 5 as tensions in the region continued to escalateThe ongoing hostilities have heightened global concerns over regional stability energy security and the safety of international shipping routesWith inputs from PTI