Iran’s foreign minister said Saturday that ships from all countries except the United States and Israel can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling Tehran’s position as tensions escalate in the Gulf following recent US strikes on Iranian targets.
Speaking to media, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strategic waterway remains open to most international shipping but warned that vessels linked to countries Iran considers hostile would not be allowed safe passage.
Araghchi said the strait “is open,” adding that restrictions apply only to ships belonging to the United States, Israel, or their allies involved in attacks against Iran.
Shipping continues despite security concerns
The statement came less than a day after the United States reportedly carried out strikes on military targets connected to Iran’s Kharg Island energy hub, a critical facility through which most of Iran’s oil exports pass.
Araghchi said some shipping companies have chosen not to travel through the waterway because of security concerns in the region. He said these decisions were not due to any closure imposed by Iran.
“The strait is not closed,” the minister said, noting that vessels from other countries remain free to transit the route.
Tankers continue crossing the strait
Despite the heightened tensions, maritime traffic through the strategic passage has continued.
According to Reuters, two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas crossed the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday and were traveling safely toward India.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, India’s minister of ports and shipping, confirmed the vessels had passed through the strait without incident.
Security risks in the Gulf
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, linking Gulf oil producers to global markets. Any disruption to shipping in the narrow waterway can have significant implications for international energy supply.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), at least 16 ships operating in and around the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked since the conflict in the region began on February 28.
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The recent developments come amid growing military tensions and concerns over the security of commercial shipping in the Gulf.
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