Iran Affirms Strait of Hormuz Closed Only to Enemies
Iranian authorities are permitting limited passage for several oil tanker vessels through the Strait of Hormuz as conflict escalates between Tehran and the United States and Israel. Iran has affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway crucial to global energy supply, is closed only to “enemies”.
According to Iranian authorities, as reported by TRT World on Tuesday 17 March 2026, ships from nations not involved in the conflict are permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with military coordination with Tehran despite broader disruptions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated more explicitly on Monday 16 March local time that certain oil tanker vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz would be permitted passage.
Araghchi affirmed that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed only to “enemies and parties supporting their aggression”.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei conveyed a similar affirmation in a separate statement cited by local Tehran media.
“Ships belonging to nations not involved in the conflict have been permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz with coordination and authorisation from the Iranian military,” Baghaei stated.
The affirmation came as conflict between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran has effectively halted most maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This has left tanker vessels and other ships stranded and raised concerns over global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway through which approximately 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade passes, making any disruption a major concern for energy markets.
Since being attacked extensively by the United States and Israel over two weeks ago, Iran has repeatedly targeted Israeli sites, US military bases, and energy infrastructure in Gulf nations with missiles and drones.
Meanwhile, maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, raising concerns about a broader global energy crisis. However, several vessels have been permitted passage in recent days, suggesting Iran may be selectively allowing limited transit.
Reports indicate that tanker vessels from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Turkey have been allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian authorities stated that two of their tanker vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz safely on Saturday 14 March morning.
A Pakistani-flagged tanker vessel, named Karachi and operated by Pakistan National Shipping Company, completed its transit through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday 15 March.
A Turkish-flagged vessel, named Rozana, was also permitted transit through the Strait of Hormuz after Ankara received authorisation from Tehran authorities.