Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz to ‘Non-Hostile Vessels’ Under Strict Conditions

Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz to ‘Non-Hostile Vessels’ Under Strict Conditions

Iran has announced that “non-hostile vessels” can transit the Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions, as tensions in the region continue to disrupt global shipping and energy markets.

In a formal communication to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Tehran stated that only vessels that do not support hostile actions against Iran and fully comply with its security protocols will be granted safe passage.

According to the statement issued by Iran’s foreign ministry and circulated by the IMO to member states and maritime stakeholders, ships must coordinate their movement with designated Iranian authorities before attempting to pass through the vital waterway.

Iran stressed that vessels linked to the United States and Israel — as well as any parties it accuses of participating in aggression — would not qualify for what it described as “innocent or non-hostile passage.”

The communication further blamed Washington and Tel Aviv for escalating tensions in the region, accusing both countries of waging an “unlawful and destabilising war” that has endangered maritime security and global trade.

Despite the announcement, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely constrained, with maritime traffic significantly reduced due to security risks. The waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most critical oil routes, handling roughly 20 per cent of global oil and gas shipments. Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, following coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel, shipping activity has dropped sharply as vessel operators avoid the region.

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Industry reports indicate that a large number of vessels have either been delayed or rerouted, while thousands of seafarers remain stranded across affected areas due to the deteriorating security environment.

The partial shutdown of the Strait has already triggered a surge in global energy prices, with oil markets reacting to fears of prolonged supply disruptions. Security analysts warn that even with Iran’s conditional allowance for certain vessels, the risks remain high due to continued military activity, including reported missile threats, naval patrols, and the potential use of sea mines.

The situation has prompted renewed discussions among Western and allied nations over the possibility of coordinated naval operations to safeguard commercial shipping in the region.

Iran’s latest position effectively places it in control of access to a key global chokepoint, allowing limited passage while maintaining pressure on adversaries. Observers say the move reflects a broader strategy to balance economic considerations — including avoiding a total collapse of maritime trade — with military and geopolitical objectives.

For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains open in principle but tightly controlled in practice, leaving global shipping and energy markets in a state of uncertainty.

Iran Opens Strait of Hormuz to ‘Non-Hostile Vessels’ Under Strict Conditions