Iran has stated that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to friendly nations while restricting passage to countries it considers hostile amid ongoing regional tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the critical maritime route was “not completely closed” but “closed only to enemies,” according to statements carried by Iranian state media.
Araghchi added that there was “no reason” to permit ships belonging to enemy nations or their allies to pass through the waterway, while stressing that Iranian forces had continued to provide safe passage for vessels from friendly countries.
The Strait of Hormuz is regarded as one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf to global shipping routes. A significant portion of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway daily.
The latest remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have contributed to disruptions in commercial shipping activities across the Gulf region. Reports indicate that maritime traffic through the strait has declined sharply in recent months due to security concerns and military confrontations.
Several international reports have suggested that Iran has intermittently restricted access to the strait during the ongoing regional crisis, while allowing limited passage for selected countries including China, Iraq and other nations considered neutral or friendly by Tehran.
The situation has triggered concerns across global energy markets, with countries dependent on Gulf oil exports closely monitoring developments around the strategic shipping corridor.
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