In an exchange on March 15, Mr. Abbas Araghchi affirmed that this strategic maritime route is not closed. According to him, the Strait of Hormuz is only restricted to oil tankers and ships of countries that Tehran considers rivals.
In fact, the Strait of Hormuz is still open. It is only closed to oil tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, who are attacking us and their allies," Abbas Araghchi said.
The Iranian diplomat said that many ships do not want to pass through this route due to security concerns. He emphasized that it is not related to Tehran's decision and affirmed that ships from other countries can still move through the strait.
Reuters reported that 2 Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Indian Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, confirmed that the two ships had crossed the safe zone and were on their way back to India.
According to the UK Maritime Trade Administration, 16 ships operating in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz have been attacked since the war broke out on February 28.
Amid rising tensions, US President Donald Trump warned that Iran's oil infrastructure on the Kharg Island could be destroyed if Tehran does not guarantee safe travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kharg Island is Iran's important energy center, where about 90% of the country's oil exports are processed before being transported to the international market.
The Strait of Hormuz is considered the world's strategic energy transport route, connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes and playing an important role in oil transportation.
