Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot.

Axar.az reports, citing ISNA, Araghchi explained that Iran’s defensive operations in the region are a response to what he described as illegal U.S. military actions using bases and facilities in other countries.

Araghchi said the primary source of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz stems from U.S. and Israeli military activity.

The French foreign minister reaffirmed his country’s opposition to the ongoing conflict and stressed that attacks on civilian targets are unacceptable.

During the call, Araghchi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed to countries involved in military operations against Iran, while ships from other nations may pass with permission.