Iran Assures Non-Related Vessels Can Safely Pass Hormuz English: Iran Assures Non-Related Vessels Can Safely Pass Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz. (Wikimedia Commons/Ali khodabakhsh)

JAKARTA - The Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations said on Tuesday, "non-hostile ships" can use the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are not involved in "aggression" against Tehran.

"Non-hostile vessels, including those owned or associated with other countries, can - provided they do not participate in or support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations - benefit from safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian authorities," Iran's Mission to the United Nations on social media X, as quoted by Anadolu (25/3).

The statement comes amid continued tensions in the Middle East since the United States and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on February 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people to date, including then Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The Mullah's country then retaliated with repeated drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

The Strait of Hormuz has also been effectively blocked since early March. Around 20 million barrels of oil normally pass through this strait every day, and this disruption has increased shipping costs and pushed global oil prices higher.