The strategic Strait of Hormuz is open to all shipping except vessels linked to “enemies of Iran”, Iran’s representative at the UN maritime agency said, as a de facto blockade of the vital chokepoint continues to push up global oil prices.
Ali Mousavi, Tehran’s representative at the International Maritime Organization, also said Iran was ready to work with the UN agency to improve maritime security and protect sailors in the Persian Gulf.
“This was caused by the US-Israeli attack on Iran”
According to Mousavi, ships not linked to “enemies of Iran” could pass through the strait after coordination of safety and security measures with Tehran.
“Diplomacy remains a priority for Iran. However, a complete cessation of aggression is more important, as well as mutual trust and confidence,” Mousavi was quoted as saying by the semi-official Mehr News Agency.
He also added that Israeli and American attacks against Iran were “the root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Strait of Hormuz
The 67 km long Strait of Hormuz, which is only 33 km wide at its narrowest point, is a key shipping route for the world’s oil and gas. About 20 percent of the world’s oil passes through the narrow throat between Iran and Oman, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
After the US-Israel war against Iran, the supply of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz was cut off due to fears of attacks that threatened a global energy shock.
Trump’s 48-hour Iran ultimatum
Amid growing international concern, US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would “strike and wipe out” Iran’s power plants, starting with the largest, if it did not open the strait within 48 hours.
Trump has tried unsuccessfully in recent days to get Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, including asking for NATO help.
There have also been reports that the US could send warships or ground troops to open the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran responds to Trump’s threat
Responding to Trump, Iran warned on Sunday that it would attack key infrastructure in the Middle East if the US follows through on its threat to “wipe out” Tehran’s power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens quickly.
“Following previous warnings, if the enemy attacks Iran’s fuel and energy infrastructure, all energy, information technology and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted,” Iran’s military operations command said in a statement to Tasnim news agency on Sunday.
