Iran grants UN request for humanitarian safe passage through Strait of Hormuz

Iran has accepted a United Nations request to permit safe passage for humanitarian ships through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported Friday. Citing Iran’s ambassador to Geneva, the Times of Tehran announced the decision on social media, signaling a limited opening in the strategically vital waterway that has been largely sealed to commercial traffic since the outbreak of hostilities.

Strategic waterway remains largely closed to commerce

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 million barrels of oil pass daily under normal conditions, has been effectively closed to most vessels since the US and Israel launched their joint offensive against Iran on February 28. The waterway normally handles roughly 20 percent of global liquefied natural gas trade, making its closure a significant disruption to global energy markets. Tehran’s agreement to allow humanitarian shipments represents a narrow exception to the broader restrictions imposed amid the escalating conflict.

Regional conflict continues amid humanitarian concerns

Hostilities have intensified since late February, with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory claiming over 1,340 lives, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has responded with waves of drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting aviation and global markets. Türkiye, which has maintained diplomatic engagement with all parties, has repeatedly called for humanitarian corridors and de-escalation, warning that the closure of critical maritime routes threatens both regional stability and global energy security.