Iran allows safe Hormuz passage for vessels not involved in 'aggression'

Iran's permanent mission to the UN announced Tuesday that "non-hostile vessels" will be permitted to use the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are not involved in acts of aggression against Tehran. The statement outlines conditions for safe passage through one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints.

Conditions for transit

"Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may — provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations — benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities," the mission said in a post on X. The announcement suggests Iran is maintaining control over the waterway while allowing limited commercial shipping to continue.

Strategic context

The statement comes amid escalating Middle East tensions following the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with sustained drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Energy impact

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively throttled since early March, disrupting the normal flow of approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily. The closure has driven up shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher. Iran's conditional offer of safe passage represents an attempt to manage the economic fallout while maintaining pressure on its adversaries.