Majid Takht-Ravanchi has denied that Iran is laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, days after the United States said it had struck vessels equipped for mine-laying operations near the strategic shipping route.
Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the deputy foreign minister said Tehran has been cooperating with some countries regarding safe passage through the strait.
“Some countries have already talked to us about passing the strait and we have cooperated with them,” he said.
However, Takht-Ravanchi added that countries which had “joined the aggression” against Iran should not expect to benefit from safe passage through the vital waterway.
He said Iran wants to ensure that war cannot be imposed on the country again, referring to previous hostilities.
The Iranian official also noted that when fighting began last June, there was a cessation of hostilities after 12 days, but claimed that after several months opposing forces regrouped and resumed attacks.
With inputs from BBC