Iran has said it is allowing ships from certain countries to pass through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, even as the vital global energy corridor remains largely restricted due to escalating tensions with the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said several nations had contacted Iran seeking permission to cross the narrow waterway, and Tehran had cooperated with some of them.
“Some countries have already talked to us about passing the strait and we have cooperated with them,” Takht-Ravanchi said during an interview with Agence France-Presse in Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most crucial maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant portion of global oil and gas shipments.
Warning to Countries Involved in ‘Aggression’
While acknowledging that certain countries had been granted passage, the Iranian diplomat warned that nations participating in what Tehran describes as aggression against Iran should not expect similar treatment.
“As far as Iran is concerned, we feel that those countries that joined the aggression should not benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The remarks signal that Iran may continue to selectively control shipping traffic, a move that could have major implications for global energy markets and international trade.
Iran Rejects Claims of Naval Mines
Takht-Ravanchi also rejected allegations that Iran has deployed naval mines in the crucial waterway.
The claims were previously raised by Donald Trump, who said American forces had struck 28 Iranian minelaying vessels in the region.
Dismissing the accusation, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said:
“Not at all. This is not true.”
Iran has repeatedly denied placing mines in the strait, despite concerns from Western officials and shipping companies about the safety of vessels passing through the area.
Iran Says It Wants to Avoid Another War
Takht-Ravanchi said Iran’s primary objective now is to prevent another war from being forced upon the country.
“We want to see that war is not going to be imposed again on Iran,” he said.
According to the Iranian official, the latest round of hostilities initially began last June and lasted for 12 days, after which a temporary halt in fighting was reached.
However, he claimed tensions resurfaced months later when opposing forces regrouped.
“After eight or nine months, they regrouped and they did it again,” Takht-Ravanchi said.
Strategic Importance of the Strait
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical route for global energy supply, with around one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments passing through the narrow channel.
Any disruption to shipping in the region has the potential to send global oil prices soaring and intensify geopolitical tensions across the Middle East and beyond.