Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi in New Delhi on May 13, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
Iran has been providing “free services” to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz for decades, but is now working on a “protocol” that would include a financial component covering the costs it will spend on ensuring the safety of navigation in the Persian Gulf region, the country’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in New Delhi on Wednesday (May 13, 2026).
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Speaking to a select group of journalists at Iran’s embassy, Mr Gharibabadi, who is here for a meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, avoided naming the UAE directly, saying “a neighboring country that is also a BRICS member” is thwarting the joint statement at the meeting by trying to introduce language that seeks to condemn Iran and Israel’s military strategy against the US.
“Until now, Iran has provided free services in the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, both Oman and Iran have provided these services. We are now working on a protocol and arrangement covering navigation, strait pollution and rescue (in case of accidents). The protocol is not yet finalized and we are working at an expert level,” Mr Gharibabadi said.
He said that while the arrangement would be “non-discriminatory”, Iran would not cooperate with countries found to be supporting the US and Israel. He accused the two countries of starting the war on February 28 amid negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.
Mr Gharibabadi assured that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to India-bound ships, but said maritime traffic would be affected if the US renewed its attacks on Iran. He said Iran is not a member of the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and can continue with its “protocol” on the choke point. Mr Gharibabadi’s comments came just days after US President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposals as “totally unacceptable”.
Mr Gharibabadi said that “Iran has agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without preconditions, but the US has refused” because it is unwilling to recognize Iran’s sovereign rights to enrich uranium, which are available to all members of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He suggested there was a “high likelihood of renewed US strikes” as talks on Iran’s nuclear enrichment hit a snag. If attacked, “Iran will defend itself using all capabilities,” he said.
He urged “friendly countries”, including India, to prevent renewed hostilities in West Asia, saying: “Iran is not Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon or Palestine. A renewed war will have global consequences.”
Mr. Gharibabadi arrived in Delhi ahead of Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to attend the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting, which faced difficulties earlier on April 23 when a meeting of special envoys failed to come up with a joint statement due to differences in language regarding Israeli actions in West Asia and terrorism. He indicated that a similar challenge remains even as foreign ministers and dignitaries of member countries arrive in India to attend the May 14-15 meeting.
“We are in favor of a joint declaration because it is not good to show that BRICS is divided,” Mr Gharibabadi said.
He said that Pakistan was not involved in any substantive discussion as a mediator and urged all friendly countries to come up with initiatives. “Even India can bring an initiative,” he said, expressing Iran’s desire to continue dialogue to prevent a resumption of hostilities in the Persian Gulf.
Published – 13 May 2026 23:03 IST
