Speaking about the current regional situation, Marandi said reports of direct discussions were unfounded and argued that such claims had been repeated previously without evidence. Marandi also reiterated Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an area where Tehran intends to maintain close oversight. Before the current conflict, international commercial shipping continued to pass through the waterway, despite longstanding geopolitical tensions in the region. Since hostilities escalated, concerns over the security of the route have increased uncertainty in international energy markets. Rising energy prices can, in turn, increase transport, manufacturing and agricultural costs, placing upward pressure on food prices and affecting supply chains worldwide.