Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that all vessels may pass through the Strait of Hormuz except those at war with Tehran [1].
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, as the Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global chokepoint for oil and commercial shipping between Oman and Iran [1]. Any restriction on transit in these waters could disrupt international energy markets and trigger military escalations.
Araghchi said that the waterway remains open for those not engaged in conflict with the Iranian government [1]. He said that the policy targets only those parties that are currently at war with Tehran [2].
The foreign minister also addressed the diplomatic relationship between the two nations. He said that Iran has no trust in the U.S. and will negotiate only if the United States is serious [3]. This lack of confidence appears to be a primary driver in Iran's current strategic posture regarding the strait.
"We cannot trust the Americans at all," Araghchi said [2].
By distinguishing between neutral shipping and adversarial vessels, Tehran is attempting to maintain the flow of global trade while simultaneously applying pressure to its opponents [1]. The move signals that Iran views the control of the waterway as a tool for both economic stability and geopolitical leverage [3].
Araghchi said that the openness of the strait is conditional on the status of the vessel's home nation [1]. He said that all vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, except those at war with Tehran [1].
“"All vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, except those at war with Tehran."”
This declaration establishes a conditional guarantee of safe passage, effectively weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz by defining who is considered an enemy. By promising neutrality for non-combatant ships, Iran seeks to avoid international condemnation for blocking global trade while maintaining the threat of seizure or harassment against specific adversaries, primarily the U.S. and its allies.
