Strait Of Hormuz Remains Open As Iran Bars Vessels Tied To ‘Enemies’

Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, except for vessels linked to what it described as the country’s “enemies”.

According to Reuters, Iranian media reports on Sunday quoted the country’s representative to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Ali Mousavi, as disclosing in an interview with Chinese news agency Xinhua.

Mousavi’s remarks were published on Friday, ahead of a warning by Donald Trump that the United States could target Iranian power plants if the vital waterway was not “fully open” within 48 hours.

Heightened tensions arising from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran have disrupted shipping through the narrow passage, which serves as a major transit route for global energy supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, raising fears of a potential global energy shock if the route is blocked.

Mousavi, who also serves as Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, said Tehran would continue to cooperate with the International Maritime Organisation to enhance maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf.

He added that vessels not belonging to “Iran’s enemies” could still transit the strait provided they coordinate security and safety arrangements with Tehran.

“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important,” Mousavi said.

He also blamed the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz on attacks by Israel and the United States against Iran, describing them as the root cause of the situation in the strategic waterway.