Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, but ‘enemy ships’ will not be allowed to pass.
This comes after US President Donald Trump threatened strikes on Iranian power infrastructure if the waterway was not fully accessible within 48 hours.
Ongoing tensions tied to the US-Israel war against Iran have already reduced traffic through the narrow strait, a critical route that carries roughly 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization Ali Mousavi said Tehran is willing to work with global maritime authorities to ensure safety in the Gulf. He said ships not associated with hostile countries can transit the strait by coordinating with Iranian government.
He emphasized that Iran still prioritizes diplomacy but ending hostilities and restoring trust are essential conditions. Mousavi also blamed recent U.S. and Israeli military actions for escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
