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Iran has clarified its position on the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid rising global concern over energy supplies and shipping disruptions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the waterway remains open but added that vessels belonging to countries attacking Iran will not be allowed to pass.
The statement comes as tensions escalate in the Middle East during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil routes, and any disruption there can affect global energy markets.
While Tehran insists it has not fully closed the strait, the restrictions on specific countries and growing security concerns have already slowed down shipping activity in the region.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Iran Says Strait Is Open but Not for ‘Enemies’
Iran’s foreign minister pushed back against claims that Tehran has blocked the entire Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview, Abbas Araghchi explained that shipping continues for many countries, but vessels linked to nations involved in attacks against Iran are not welcome.
He said, “The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies,” Araghchi said in an interview with MS Now. “Others are free to pass. Of course, many of them prefer not to because of their security concerns. This has nothing to do with us.”
According to Iranian officials, tankers continue to move through the waterway, although ships from the United States and Israel are being blocked.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Iranian Officials Issue Strong Warning
Some Iranian leaders have taken an even tougher stance on the issue. Mohsen Rezaee, a member of Iran’s Expediency Discernment Council, issued a direct warning about foreign vessels entering the Gulf.
He said, “No American ship has the right to enter the Gulf,” he said.
Such statements highlight the growing confrontation in the region as the conflict continues to escalate.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Trump Calls for Global Naval Support
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has urged several countries to send naval forces to protect shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump called on major economies, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom, to deploy warships to the region.
He wrote, “Many Countries, especially those that are affected by Iran’s attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending warships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe,” Trump wrote.
Trump also warned that the United States would continue military action to secure the waterway.
“We have already destroyed 100% of Iran’s Military capability, but it’s easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along or in this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are. Hopefully, China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send Ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a Nation that has been totally decapitated,” Trump wrote.
He added that the US would take action to ensure the route remains open.
“One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” he wrote.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: India Receives Rare Shipping Exemption
Despite the restrictions, India has received a special exemption allowing its ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas successfully crossed the waterway on Saturday morning, according to Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary at India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Iran’s ambassador to India confirmed that Tehran granted the exemption after discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian earlier in the week.
The move highlights Iran’s strategy of selectively restricting shipping while allowing certain countries to continue using the route.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Experts Question Trump’s Strategy
Some security analysts remain sceptical about the US plan to form an international naval coalition in the region.
Andreas Krieg, a security expert at King’s College London, suggested that Iran does not need a large military operation to disrupt shipping.
According to Krieg, occasional attacks or threats could discourage insurers and shipping companies from operating in the strait.
He said such actions alone could keep commercial vessels away, effectively disrupting global trade without a full blockade.
Experts also warn that sending large military ships into the area could expose them to smaller but potentially dangerous attacks.
Iran-US-Israel War Latest News: Global Oil Markets Watching Closely
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains critical because the narrow waterway handles a large share of the world’s oil shipments.
Even limited disruptions can push oil prices higher and create instability in global energy markets.
With tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel continuing to escalate, governments and energy companies around the world are closely monitoring developments in the region.
