Iran Allows Friendly Nations to Pass Through Strait of Hormuz: Closed Only to Enemies!

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is not entirely closed following the heated conflict in the Middle East. He emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz will only be closed to enemies. “From our perspective, the Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed - this strait is only closed to enemies,” said Araghchi, as reported by Al Jazeera on Thursday (26/3/2026). He stressed that the strait will not be opened to enemies and their allies. However, Araghchi mentioned that his side has already provided safe routes for friendly countries to pass through freely. “There is no reason to allow our enemy ships and their allies to pass,” he said. “Tehran’s armed forces have provided safe routes for ships from friendly countries,” he added. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for global energy supplies, has been affected by the ongoing war in the Middle East. Before the war broke out, around 20 million barrels of global oil typically crossed this important waterway every day. As a result of the war, transit activities in the Strait of Hormuz have been effectively restricted since early March. This has triggered global disruptions that increase shipping costs and drive up global oil prices.