Honorable Sheikh Ibrahim Mutashar Al-Oqaili, the Islamic Republic of Iran extended to you a generous invitation to visit Iran by the leader of the Islamic Revolution, out of appreciation for your social and tribal status, and out of pride in you as one of the sheikhs of the authentic Iraqi tribes for whom we have every respect and esteem. But the statements you made about the Strait of Hormuz do not reflect the reality of the situation, and cannot be a basis for judging the call or the visit of Iraqi tribal sheikhs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz came as a result of American and Zionist policies and escalation in the region. Iran announced the opening of the strait more than once, to exclude Iraq from the imposed restrictions, but American interventions and pressure prevented its completion. Linking the visit of Iraqi tribal sheikhs to this issue, or casting doubt on their positions and motives, is unacceptable, and does not befit the status of these sheikhs who were present in response to a generous invitation, and in a manner that reflects the depth of the historical and social ties between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples. Differences in attitudes and views should not be a reason to hurt others or belittle their status. With sincere respect and appreciation for your esteemed person.

Honorable Sheikh Ibrahim Mutashar Al-Oqaili, the Islamic Republic of Iran extended to you a generous invitation to visit Iran by the leader of the Islamic Revolution, out of appreciation for your social and tribal status, and out of pride in you as one of the sheikhs of the authentic Iraqi tribes for whom we have every respect and esteem. But the statements you made about the Strait of Hormuz do not reflect the reality of the situation, and cannot be a basis for judging the call or the visit of Iraqi tribal sheikhs. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz came as a result of American and Zionist policies and escalation in the region. Iran announced the opening of the strait more than once, to exclude Iraq from the imposed restrictions, but American interventions and pressure prevented its completion. Linking the visit of Iraqi tribal sheikhs to this issue, or casting doubt on their positions and motives, is unacceptable, and does not befit the status of these sheikhs who were present in response to a generous invitation, and in a manner that reflects the depth of the historical and social ties between the Iraqi and Iranian peoples. Differences in attitudes and views should not be a reason to hurt others or belittle their status. With sincere respect and appreciation for your esteemed person.

The Iran Foundation in Arabic.