WANA (Aug 14) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on Thursday evening with his Austrian counterpart, Beate Meinl-Reisinger, to discuss bilateral relations alongside pressing regional and international developments.

 

During the exchange, Araghchi outlined recent developments, including talks between Iran and Oman regarding future management mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz.

 

He attributed the current instability to “illegal aggression” by the United States and Israel, asserting that despite Iran entering diplomatic discussions in good faith—referencing an understanding signed on June 18—the U.S. violated the agreement by imposing a maritime blockade and conducting widespread strikes on Iranian targets, thereby exacerbating tensions in the strategic waterway.

 

Highlighting ongoing military actions by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, the Iranian Foreign Minister sharply criticized the European Union’s “passive stance” and the support provided by certain European nations to Israel, calling it a key driver of continued conflict in the region.

 

Araghchi urged the EU to fundamentally reconsider its approach toward West Asia while also condemning what he termed the EU’s “interfering stance” regarding Iran’s internal affairs and its alleged backing of anti-Iranian elements.

 

In response, Austrian Foreign Minister Meinl-Reisinger presented her country’s position on the regional crisis, emphasizing the critical need to restore stability and security through diplomatic channels and urging a return to normal conditions across the region.