Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran

Tehran, Apr 30: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday said that Tehran remains open to diplomatic engagement with the United States, provided Washington changes its current approach.

According to local media reports, Pezeshkian stressed that Iran is willing to pursue dialogue if what he described as “provocative actions” and an “excessive approach” by the US are revised.

During a phone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the Iranian president blamed ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region on actions by the United States and Israel. He also criticised what he termed “American piracy” against Iranian vessels, calling for such actions to be stopped.

The two leaders discussed maritime safety, including the passage of a Japanese-linked vessel carrying crew members through the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi later expressed hope that negotiations between Washington and Tehran would resume and lead to a resolution.

She also emphasised the importance of ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation for vessels of all nations through the strategically vital route, noting that several Japanese-linked ships remain in the Persian Gulf region.

Pezeshkian, speaking on the occasion of Persian Gulf Nation Day, reiterated that any attempt to impose restrictions or blockades in the waterway violates international law and threatens regional stability and global peace.

The tensions follow the imposition of a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz after recent talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, further escalating the already fragile situation in the region.