Iran on Sunday reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, except vessels linked to its “enemies,” referring to the United States and Israel. The statement comes amid rising tensions over access to the vital corridor that carries nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil supply.
Tehran signalled willingness to work with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure maritime safety. “Ships not linked to Iran’s ‘enemies’ can transit the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran,” Iran’s representative to the IMO, Ali Mousavi, was quoted as saying.
Mousavi also called for an end to hostilities, emphasising that diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. He attributed the current tensions in the strait to recent military actions, stating that attacks by the United States and Israel were the root cause of the situation and that rebuilding mutual trust is essential.
The developments follow the February 28 US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered the ongoing conflict. In response, Tehran has disrupted shipping movements in the strait and launched strikes on Israeli targets as well as locations in Gulf states hosting US military bases.
Despite the disruptions, Iran has maintained that the waterway is not fully closed and remains accessible under its stated conditions.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has urged allied nations to deploy naval escorts for commercial vessels transiting the strait. In a recent social media post, he warned of military action if Iran fails to ensure unrestricted access, escalating concerns over a broader confrontation in the region.