Iran: The Strait of Hormuz remains open to all except the United States and its allies

Iran has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, with restrictions on its use applicable only to the United States, Israel, and their allies, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday, 14 March.

“The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed for tankers and vessels belonging to our enemies, to those who attack us and their allies. Others are free to pass,” Araghchi told broadcaster MS Now.

The Foreign Minister added that concerns raised by other nations regarding maritime safety in the region “have nothing to do” with Iran.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran on 28 February, which caused damage and civilian casualties. Iran subsequently retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and US military bases across the Middle East.

The strait is a critical shipping route for supplying crude oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, accounting for approximately 20 per cent of worldwide trade in oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas.