Iran Allows Only Friendly Countries to Pass Through the Strait of Hormuz

Moscow (ANTARA) - Iran has allowed ships from several of its friendly countries, including Russia, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

“We have allowed ships from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iraq, as well as other countries we consider friends, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz,” said Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi according to the Lebanese satellite television channel Al Mayadeen.

Araghchi added that Tehran has no reason to allow “enemy ships” to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched attacks against targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by striking Israeli territory and US military facilities in the Middle East.

The escalation of tensions around Iran has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

The blockade has also affected oil export and production levels in the region. As a result, fuel prices have risen in most countries around the world.