Iran’s foreign minister criticizes the US for its shifting stance on Russian oil imports, highlighting the impact on India and Europe.
Iran’s foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has sharply criticized the United States for its stance on Russian crude oil, claiming that Washington is now 'begging' countries like India to buy Russian oil after earlier pressuring them to halt such imports.
In a post on X, Araghchi said, 'The US spent months on bullying India into ending 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.'
He also criticized Europe’s position on the conflict, writing, 'Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia.'
Ending the post with a blunt remark, he added, 'pathetic,' while sharing a report highlighting how the US war with Iran could end up benefiting Russia, a country Donald Trump has remained at odds with on several geopolitical issues.
Israel, Iran War, US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: 'All oil and energy infrastructure will turn to ashes,' says Iran after US hits Kharg Island; US Bombs Kharg Island: Trump says raid hit Iran military targets; warns on Strait shipping 'Heart of Iran's oil exports': US strikes Kharg Island — why it’s a big blow to Tehran. Araghchi’s comments came a day after he spoke with his counterpart in New Delhi, S Jaishankar. The call marked the fourth interaction between the two ministers since tensions escalated in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Iran has allowed two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to transit through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in the region, according to a Reuters report citing sources with direct knowledge of the matter.
Reuters also reported, citing shipping data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, that a crude oil tanker carrying Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India after transiting the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month.
Earlier, Iran’s ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali confirmed that Tehran would ensure safe passage for vessels headed to India through the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to a question on whether Indian-bound ships would be allowed safe transit through the key energy route, Fathali said, 'Yes. Because India and I are friends. You can see the future, and I think that after two or three hours. Because we believe that. We believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate.'
He added, 'Suffering of the people of India is our suffering and vice versa. And for this reason, the government of India help us, and we should help the government of India because we have a common fate and common interest.'