Iran’s Foreign Minister has insisted the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, declaring it closed only to American and Israeli tankers and ships amid the escalating conflict with Washington and Jerusalem.
Abbas Araghchi made the clarification on Saturday while addressing concerns over attacks on vessels in the vital waterway, through which much of the world’s oil passes.
“As a matter of fact, the Strait of Hormuz is open,” he said. “It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass.”
Araghchi added: “And I can say that the Strait is not closed, but it is only closed to American, Israeli ships and tankers, and not to others.”
He stressed that the restrictions had “nothing to do with us” and were a direct response to attacks on Iran.
The remarks follow US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal and attacks on at least 16 ships in the Gulf since the conflict began on February 28. Two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tankers recently crossed the waterway safely.
President Donald Trump has warned of further destruction of Iranian oil infrastructure if safe passage is not guaranteed.
The Foreign Minister’s statement comes as global oil prices remain volatile and many vessels avoid the route over security fears.
