Iran Reaffirms Strait of Hormuz Open to Traffic, But Not for US-Israel

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains “open” to vessels not belonging to the United States, Israel, and their allies.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed only to tankers and vessels belonging to Iran’s enemies. To those who attack Iran and their allies. Others are welcome to pass through,” he said in an interview with MS Now.

Nevertheless, he did not deny that many nations choose not to transit the vital strait due to safety considerations, which he maintained are not the fault of Iran.

“Of course, many of them prefer not to pass because of security issues. This has nothing to do with us.”

Araghchi also noted that many tankers and other vessels continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz at present. Vessels from at least two countries have successfully passed through the strait, namely India and China.

The Strait of Hormuz is integral to the global economy, with approximately 20 per cent of global crude oil supply passing through the narrow waterway in the Middle East, which is controlled by Iran.

Disruptions in the strait have forced the United States and its allies to release 400 million barrels of strategic oil reserves to flood the market in an effort to suppress crude oil prices, which have surged sharply. West Texas Intermediate crude is currently trading at $98 per barrel, whilst Brent crude has reached $103 per barrel.

Previously, Iran claimed responsibility for several attacks on vessels in and around the vital oil route, including a Thai vessel on Wednesday. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps previously stated that any vessel wishing to transit the strait must obtain permission from Iran.