Russia has officially backed Iran’s control over the strategicStrait of Hormuz. Iran has the right to control the Strait of Hormuz, said Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia. Iran has every right to limit traffic and control the Strait of Hormuz, while also accusing western countries of hypocrisy and piracy, the envoy said. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and around 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passes through it.

“There was an attempt to pin full responsibility on Iran as if it was Iran which attacked its neighbours. In times of war, a coastal state that is under attack may limit navigation in its territorial waters for the purpose of security,” Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, said. Check Live UpdatesHere

Nebenzia went on to compare Western states to pirates, and called out the European countries supporting Ukrainian strikes on Russian trade vessels in the Black Sea. “Unlike pirates who raise their black flags with a skull and crossbones in their vessels, Western countries are attempting to conceal their lawless actions with references to unilateral coercive measures.”

The passage through the Strait of Hormuz had been effectively restricted by Iran since the beginning of the war on February 28. While Iran offered to open the waterway, it reversed its decision over US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

In a recent proposal, that surfaced during Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan and Oman, Tehran has offered to open the Strait of Hormuz. According to media reports, Iran has agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz if;

1. The US lifts its blockade on the country and its ports

2. If it ends the war in the Middle East

3. If the discussions on Tehran's nuclear programme are pushed to a later phase of the diplomatic process.

However, US officials told The New York Times that President Trump and his national security team are sceptical of Iran's offer.

The White House said US President Donald Trump's national security team discussed the offer and Trump would address it later.

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now