Iran Signals Diplomatic Readiness if US Changes Approach, Calls Strait of Hormuz Blockade “Contrary to International Law”

Tehran, April 2026 : Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Tehran remains open to diplomacy with the United States, provided Washington revises what he described as its “excessive approach and provocative actions,” according to Iranian state media reports.

In remarks made during a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Pezeshkian reiterated Iran’s willingness to pursue a diplomatic path if there is a shift in US policy. He stressed that constructive engagement is possible only if pressure tactics are replaced with mutual respect.

During the discussion, the Iranian President blamed the current instability in the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz on the actions of the United States and Israel. He specifically condemned what he termed “American piracy” against Iranian vessels and called for an immediate end to such measures, stating that they should be widely condemned by the international community.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, also featured prominently in the talks between the two leaders. Pezeshkian and Takaichi discussed arrangements to allow safe passage for a Japanese vessel carrying Japanese nationals through the waterway, highlighting the importance of maritime safety amid rising tensions.

Prime Minister Takaichi, in her statement on social media platform X, said she expressed strong expectations that negotiations between Iran and the United States would resume soon and lead to a lasting agreement. She noted that ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains a priority for Japan, particularly for vessels carrying its citizens.

“I informed him that we view the safe passage of one Japan-related vessel carrying three Japanese crew members through the Strait of Hormuz as a positive development from the perspective of protecting our nationals,” she said. Takaichi also urged that unrestricted and safe navigation be guaranteed for ships of all countries as quickly as possible.

She further stated that she, along with Japan’s Foreign Minister and diplomatic officials in Iran, has been actively engaged in consultations regarding the safety of maritime traffic in the region. According to her, several Japan-linked vessels, including those carrying Japanese nationals, are still present in the Persian Gulf.

In a separate statement marking Persian Gulf Nation Day, President Pezeshkian strongly opposed maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that any blockade attempts violate international law and threaten regional stability.

“Any attempt to impose a blockade and maritime restrictions on the waterway is contrary to international law and a threat to regional nations’ interests and global peace and stability, and is doomed to failure,” he said.

The United States had earlier imposed restrictions on the Strait following failed post-ceasefire negotiations with Iran held in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, which did not result in a breakthrough agreement.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)