London, March 22 (ANI) — Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) said foreign ships may continue to use the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Tehran on security and safety arrangements. Ali Mousavi, who also serves as Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, told Mehr news agency that cooperation between vessel operators and Iranian authorities is essential to maintain stability in the strategically important waterway.
Mousavi said transit must reconcile international navigation rights with what he described as respect for Iran’s territorial integrity and rights. He indicated Tehran is willing to work with the IMO and other countries to strengthen maritime safety and protect seafarers. According to Al Jazeera’s report citing Mehr, Mousavi added that the “Strait of Hormuz is only closed to Iran’s enemies,” drawing a distinction over which nations would be permitted passage.
He blamed wider regional tensions — in particular the conflict involving the United States and Israel — for the rising friction in the Gulf and the Strait. Those tensions have coincided with a series of attacks on regional energy infrastructure and incidents involving commercial vessels.
In response to restrictions on traffic, U.S. President Donald Trump posted a social media ultimatum warning of strikes on Iranian energy facilities if the Strait was not fully reopened within 48 hours. His post said the United States would “hit and obliterate” several power plants, starting with the largest, if the Strait remained closed.
The threat came amid pressure on the U.S. administration after a marked rise in global oil prices this month, which analysts have linked to Iran’s effective blockade of the route that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments. A U.S. defense intelligence assessment, cited by CNN, estimated Iran could sustain a closure of the Strait for one to six months.
Despite hardline statements, other Iranian officials have signalled restraint. Iran’s U.N. ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, said Tehran had no plans to shut the shipping lane, a position that appeared to contrast with comments by Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, who suggested the passage could serve as strategic leverage. Speaking at the United Nations, Iravani reiterated that Tehran would not block the vital route but reserves the right to take measures to ensure its security. (ANI)
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