The Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime passage through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transit, remains accessible to all vessels except those associated with what Iran terms its “enemies,” statements from Tehran’s representative to the United Nations maritime agency. This declaration was made public on Sunday, following an interview given by Ali Mousavi, Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and its envoy to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which was published by the Chinese news agency Xinhua on Friday.
Mousavi’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning threatening to target Iranian power plants if the Strait was not “fully open” within a 48-hour timeframe. This threat has exacerbated fears of potential conflict, leading to a significant reduction in maritime traffic through the narrow and strategically crucial waterway. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical artery for global energy supplies, and any disruption there poses serious risks of triggering a worldwide energy crisis.
In his interview, Mousavi emphasized that Iran remains committed to working closely with the IMO to enhance maritime safety and safeguard the lives of seafarers navigating these waters. He clarified that vessels not affiliated with Iran’s adversaries are welcome to pass through the strait, provided they coordinate security and safety measures with Iranian authorities. This approach underscores Tehran’s insistence on maintaining control over the security framework in the Gulf while allowing legitimate commercial activities to continue.
Furthermore, Mousavi stressed that diplomacy continues to be Iran’s foremost strategy for resolving tensions in the region. However, he pointed out that a genuine resolution requires a complete halt to aggressive actions and the establishment of mutual trust and confidence between the involved parties. He attributed the current instability in the Strait of Hormuz primarily to the military actions and provocations by the United States and Israel, which Tehran views as the root causes of the ongoing crisis.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains delicate, with international stakeholders closely monitoring developments. The waterway’s significance to global energy markets means that any escalation could have far-reaching economic and geopolitical consequences. Meanwhile, Iran’s position highlights the complex interplay between asserting national security interests and maintaining open channels for international commerce in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive maritime corridors.
