Iran Announces Safe Passage for ‘Non-Hostile’ Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran has declared that “non-hostile ships” may transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided they adhere to safety and security regulations, according to a press release sent to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This announcement follows disruptions to oil and gas shipments amid heightened tensions in the region.
“Non-hostile ships […] may — provided they do not participate in or support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with applicable safety and security regulations — enjoy safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent authorities,” the press release stated Reuters reported.
The IMO confirmed that the document, dated Sunday, was issued by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, with a request for its dissemination to member states and NGOs as stated by the IMO.
‘Illegal War’
The press release emphasizes that “any assets belonging to the aggressors – namely the United States and the Israeli regime – as well as to other participants in the aggression cannot claim peaceful or non-hostile passage.”
Iran asserts that responsibility for “any disruption, insecurity or skyrocketing risks in this crucial sea lane” lies with the United States and Israel, whom it accuses of waging an “illegal and destabilizing war against Iran.”
According to the press release, these two countries have “jeopardized regional peace and stability and exposed international shipping to unprecedented threats.”
Iran has effectively restricted passage through this strategic strait since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, which escalated the conflict and caused global oil and gas prices to increase according to the Economic Times.
Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization Mr. Arsenio Dominguez has issued a statement on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz: “No attack on innocent seafarers or civilian shipping is ever justified” as stated by the IMO.