Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (March 14th) that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping but is closed to vessels of countries that attack Iran, namely the US and Israel.
Speaking to MS Now, Araghchi said: “Actually, this Strait of Hormuz is open. It is closed only to tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, those who are attacking us and allies. Others can pass freely,” he said.
Significance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important maritime hubs in the world, playing a key role in global energy trade and regional security.
A vital global oil route
A narrow waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A large proportion of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the strait every day, making it a lifeline for global energy markets.
Major oil-producing countries in the Persian Gulf – including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates – rely heavily on the energy export route to international markets.
Strategic geographic location
The strait lies between Iran on its northern coast and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south. At its narrowest point, the waterway is only about 33 kilometers wide, with designated shipping lanes even narrower, making it a sensitive location for global shipping.
Impact on global markets
Because much of the world’s oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, any disruption — whether due to military conflict, political tensions or security threats — can quickly affect global oil prices and shipping routes.
Energy-importing countries across Asia, Europe and beyond depend on the uninterrupted flow of oil through this corridor.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates
