Iran Says Non-Hostile Ships Can Use Strait of Hormuz Amid War with US and Israel 

TEHRAN — Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations said vessels “not engaged in hostilities” would be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided they do not participate in actions deemed aggressive toward Tehran.

“Non-hostile vessels, including those owned by or linked to other countries, may benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz if they do not take part in or support aggressive acts against Iran and fully comply with announced safety and security regulations in coordination with competent Iranian authorities,” the envoy said in a statement posted on X.

The remarks come as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate following a joint military campaign by the United States and Israel against Iran launched on Feb. 28. More than 1,340 people have been killed since the start of the conflict, including Iran’s then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iranian accounts.

Iran has responded with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting U.S. military bases.

The Strait of Hormuz has also been effectively restricted since early March. Roughly 20 million barrels of oil typically pass through the waterway each day, and disruptions have increased shipping costs and pushed up global fuel prices.

GAROWE ONLINE