Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, but warned that vessels linked to its adversaries will not be permitted safe passage, according to remarks reported Sunday by state media.
Ali Mousavi, Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization and ambassador to the U.K., said ships not affiliated with what Tehran considers its “enemies” can continue transiting the waterway if they coordinate security arrangements with Iranian authorities.
His comments, originally given in an interview with Xinhua, come amid heightened tensions following threats by President Donald Trump to target Iranian infrastructure if the strait is not “fully open.”
Despite remaining technically open, the narrow passage—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows—has seen significantly reduced traffic as shipping companies avoid the region due to the risk of attack.
Mousavi said Iran would continue working with the IMO to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, while emphasizing that diplomatic solutions remain Tehran’s preferred path.
“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority,” he said, adding that a cessation of hostilities and the rebuilding of trust are essential to stabilizing the situation.
He also blamed ongoing U.S. and Israeli military actions for escalating tensions in the region, calling them the root cause of the current disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
