Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to its enemies.

Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for vessels from friendly nations.

“From our point of view, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, particularly not to friendly nations,” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi on Friday.

Araghchi added that the strait is closed only to Iran’s enemies.

The diplomat also hinted that restrictions imposed by the Iranian navy could be lifted, but only after the war initiated by the United States and Israel at the end of February ends.

“Then we will ensure that safe passage is guaranteed for every single ship,” he said.

Following the outbreak of hostilities, Iran’s armed forces seized control of the strait, a crucial artery for global energy trade.

Threats, inspections, and attacks on vessels have largely halted traffic through the passage.

Consequently, energy and fuel prices worldwide have risen sharply. Iran also reports that the strait has been mined.

Tehran consistently stresses that the strait is not blocked.

In reality, shipping companies must coordinate with Iranian authorities and are allowed to navigate only a corridor close to the Iranian coast.

The Iranian government charges substantial fees for this passage, a practice that international law experts say violates the right of transit passage.

In response, the United States imposed a naval blockade against Iran in mid‑April to curb the country’s oil revenues, among other objectives.

(dpa/NAN)

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