Iran declares Strait of Hormuz off-limits solely to hostile nations

The Iranian government has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to ships from nations it considers friendly, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that the waterway is open to these countries.

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Araghchi made this announcement on the sidelines of the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Friday, where he also emphasized that the strait is closed only to Iran's enemies.

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Iran's chief diplomat revealed that the Iranian navy may lift its restrictions, but this is contingent upon the cessation of the war initiated by the US and Israel against Iran at the end of February.

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According to Araghchi, once the war ends, Iran will guarantee safe passage for all ships, a commitment made after the country's armed forces took control of the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of war.

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The strait, which is crucial for global energy trade, was largely brought to a standstill due to threats, inspections, and attacks on ships, resulting in a significant increase in energy and fuel prices worldwide.

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Iran has also laid mines in the strait, and while the government claims that the waterway is not blocked, shipping companies are required to coordinate with Iranian authorities and navigate through a designated corridor near the Iranian coast.

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This corridor comes at a cost, as the Iranian leadership demands substantial fees from shipping companies, which international law experts argue is a violation of the right of transit passage.

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In response to Iran's actions, the US imposed a naval blockade against the country in mid-April, aiming to cut off Iran's oil revenues, among other objectives.