Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi backs Lebanon's sovereignty and ridicules US Hormuz fee plan

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remains fully committed to Lebanon's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemning what he described as Israel's military aggression and occupation of Lebanon. Speaking with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jean Arnault in Tehran, he urged the United Nations to adopt an explicit stance against Israeli and U.S. actions he termed illegal, and warned that U.S. involvement could have dangerous consequences.

Araghchi also mocked U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would charge a 20 % fee for “guarding” commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The minister posted on social media that Iran has always been the “guardian of the Strait” and that the proposed fee was excessive, while affirming that Iran would continue to protect passage through the waterway.