Iran said Wednesday that “non-hostile” vessels could be allowed safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, even as regional tensions persist. The Permanent Mission of Iran to the United Nations posted on X that ships not involved in hostile actions against Tehran may transit the strait under certain conditions.
“Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may—provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations—benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities,” the mission said.
While Iran frames the policy as permitting safe passage to vessels it considers friendly, US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “we’ll have control of anything we want,” suggesting a different approach to the strait’s security.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and concerns about disruptions to maritime traffic through the Hormuz chokepoint, which handles a substantial share of the world’s oil shipments. Iran’s formulation ties navigation rights to compliance with its security rules and a vessel’s neutrality, signaling Tehran’s intent to retain leverage over a busy shipping corridor without fully closing it.
Global shipping and energy markets have been monitoring developments closely, as any disruption in the strait could affect oil prices and supply chains, especially for import-dependent economies such as India. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic signals and military posturing continuing as the conflict enters a critical phase.
