Iran only allows China's friendly countries to Russia to cross the Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - Iran has allowed ships from several of its friendly countries, including Russia, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

"We have allowed ships from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iraq, as well as other countries that we consider to be friends, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said according to Lebanon's satellite television channel, Al Mayadeen, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Thursday, March 26.

Araghchi said Tehran had no reason to allow "enemy ships" to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched an attack on targets in Iran, causing damage and civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and American military facilities in the Middle East.

Escalation of tensions around Iran has led to a de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is the main route for the shipment of oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets.

The blockade also affects the export and production levels of oil in the region. As a result, fuel prices have increased in most countries in the world.