Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to shipping from friendly countries, insisting that restrictions apply only to nations it considers hostile.
The statement was made on Friday by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi.
“From our point of view, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, particularly not to friendly nations.
“It is closed only to our enemies,” Araghchi said.
The Iranian foreign minister also suggested the possibility of easing restrictions imposed by the country’s navy, but said this would depend on the end of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which he said began in late February.
“Then we will ensure that safe passage is guaranteed for every single ship,” he added.
Following the outbreak of the conflict, Iran reportedly took control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for energy supplies.
Reports indicate that naval tensions, inspections and attacks on vessels have significantly disrupted maritime traffic in the waterway, contributing to higher global energy and fuel prices.
According to Iranian authorities, the strait has also been mined, although Tehran maintains that it has not been fully closed.
While Iran insisted that the waterway remained open, shipping companies are said to be required to coordinate with Iranian authorities and navigate through designated corridors close to the Iranian coastline.
The Iranian government is also reported to have imposed fees on vessels using the route, a move international legal experts have described as inconsistent with the principle of free transit passage.
Meanwhile, the United States is said to have imposed a naval blockade on Iran in mid-April, aimed at restricting oil exports and revenue flows.
Despite the tensions, Iran continues to maintain that the Strait of Hormuz has not been shut down, but is subject to controlled passage arrangements.
