New delhi: Iran has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open for shipping from all nations it considers friendly, while it is closed only to its adversaries. "From our point of view, the Strait of Hormuz is not closed, particularly not to friendly nations. It is closed only to our enemies," stated Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi on Friday.
According to Ghana News Agency, Araghchi also hinted at the possibility of lifting restrictions imposed by the Iranian navy, contingent upon the cessation of the ongoing conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran at the end of February. "Then we will ensure that safe passage is guaranteed for every single ship," he added.
Following the onset of hostilities, Iranian armed forces assumed control of the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, a key channel for global energy trade. The subsequent actions, including threats, inspections, and assaults on vessels, have severely disrupted traffic through the strait.
This situation has led to a pronounced increase in energy and fuel prices on a global scale. Although Iran maintains that the strait is not obstructed, practical conditions require shipping companies to liaise with Iranian authorities to navigate a designated corridor near the Iranian coastline.
These passages incur significant fees demanded by Iranian authorities, a practice that international law experts argue contravenes the right of transit passage. Meanwhile, the United States has implemented a naval blockade against Iran since mid-April, aiming, among other objectives, to curtail the nation's oil income.