Iran FM Slams US ‘Double Standards’, Equates Israel’s Gaza Blockade With Its Own Hormuz Defense

Last Updated:March 26, 2026, 8:59 PM IST

Abbas Araghchi slams US double standards on Gaza blockade and Strait of Hormuz, rejects claims of US Iran talks and calls US 15 point plan maximalist.

Iran FM Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of applying double standards.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of pursuing double standards in the Middle East, criticising Washington for its stance on backing the Gaza Strip blockade by Israel and condemning Iran for maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, Araghchi said: “The U.S. backed Israel’s Gaza blockade, cutting aid under “security” claims, yet condemns Iran for defending itself in Strait of Hormuz.”

“Double standard: Israel’s crimes are OK while Iran’s defence against aggressors is condemned.” He added that international law “is not a tool of convenience.”

Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, Israel has tightly controlled the flow of goods into Gaza, arguing that these restrictions are necessary to prevent Hamas from obtaining materials that could be used as weapons. Throughout the war, Israel has also used its authority over Gaza’s border crossings as a bargaining tool in negotiations aimed at ending the fighting.

Araghchi also stated that Iran is not engaged in any negotiations with the United States to halt the war and has no plans to do so, directly contradicting US officials who have claimed that talks are “ongoing” and “productive.”

His comments followed Washington’s presentation of a 15-point proposal to Tehran, which Iranian diplomats dismissed as “extremely maximalist and unreasonable.”

Araghchi referred to Iran’s own five-point counter-proposal, which he said reflects the country’s fundamental positions.

The conflict began on February 28, after US and Israeli air strikes escalated tensions and led Iran to strike American allies in the Gulf.

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