Tehran, March 14: Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday criticised the United States over its stance on Russian oil, claiming Washington is now “begging” countries around the world, including India, to purchase Russian crude despite earlier pressure to halt such imports.
In a post on X, Araghchi said, “The US spent months bullying India to stop oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, the White House is now begging the world—including India—to buy Russian crude.”
The Iranian foreign minister also criticised European countries for supporting what he described as an “illegal war” against Iran, claiming they expected American support against Russia in return.
“Europe thought backing an illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic,” he said.
Meanwhile, Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers transporting Liquefied Petroleum Gas to pass through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Reuters reported, citing four sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
Reuters, citing two sources and shipping data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, also reported that a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India on Saturday after transiting the Strait of Hormuz around March 1.
Earlier, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran would provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing the longstanding friendship and shared interests between the two countries.
Responding to a question on whether Iran would allow Indian-bound ships safe transit through the strategic route, Fathali said, “Yes. Because Iran and India are friends. We believe that Iran and India share common interests and a common fate.”
He emphasised the mutual responsibility between the two nations, adding that the suffering of the people of India would also be felt by Iran, highlighting the close ties and cooperation between the two countries. (Agency)
