Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Arakaji warns UK on cooperation with aggressors

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arakaji told British Foreign Secretary Ed Milliband that the United Kingdom’s recent labeling of Iran’s armed forces as aggressors and its alleged collusion with the United States and Israel in wars against Iran were unacceptable. Arakaji said Iran entered the diplomatic process in good faith and had reached an understanding to end hostilities on 17 June, but the United States broke the agreement, preventing implementation.

He announced Iran’s intention to work with Oman to establish operational mechanisms for managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that interference by third parties would only complicate the situation. Arakaji stressed that any cooperation with aggressors, even under the pretext of previous defence agreements, would violate international law and give the attacked state the right to self‑defence.

British Foreign Secretary Ed Milliband responded that the United Kingdom is not a party to any war against Iran, emphasised a commitment to diplomacy, and said continued diplomatic engagement was necessary to improve relations and reduce regional tensions.