Photo: EPA
Abbas Araghchi said many vessels are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz due to security concerns.
The foreign minister of Iran stated that the strategic waterway remains open for navigation. In an interview with MS NOW, he stressed that the strait is closed only to tankers and ships belonging to Iran’s enemies and their allies.
“The strait is not closed to everyone. It is closed only to American, Israeli and similar vessels and tankers, while there are no restrictions for others,” the minister said.
Araghchi noted that many ships are choosing not to pass through the strait because of their own security concerns, which he said is not related to Iran’s actions. At the same time, he added that numerous tankers and ships continue to transit the waterway, meaning it is not completely blocked.
Although Iran has restricted movement through the strait, including oil tankers, it continues to send its own vessels through the route.
Earlier, Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, said the United States Navy, possibly together with an international coalition, could escort ships through the strait once conditions allow.
US President Donald Trump also stated that several countries could send warships to ensure the strait remains open and safe. He expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and other affected nations would deploy vessels to the area so that the waterway no longer poses a threat.
