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Iran has softened its stance on letting ships pass through the Strait of Hormuz, with a senior UN representative saying that the waterway remains open to all shipping except vessels linked to "enemies" – presumably the US and Israel.
The statement comes hours after US President Donald Trump threatened to target Iranian power plants if the waterway does not "fully open" within 48 hours.
Ali Mousavi, the Iranian representative to the Maritime Organisation, said on Sunday that ships not linked to "Iran's enemies" could pass the strait by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Tehran.
He added that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the UN body to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers in the Gulf, arguing that Israeli and US attacks against Iran are at the "root of the current situation" in the Strait of Hormuz.
"Diplomacy remains Iran's priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important," Mousavi said.
Iran shut the vital energy supply route on February 28, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied gas passes, saying it "won't even allow a litre of oil" to reach the US, Israel and their partners.
The threat of Iranian attacks during the US-Israeli war on Iran has kept most ships from getting through the narrow strait, the conduit for around a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, threatening a global energy shock.
The US has sought to build a naval coalition to escort vessels navigating the strait, with most NATO allies saying they don't want to get involved in military operations against Iran.
(With inputs from Reuters)
- Ends
Published By:
Aprameya Rao
Published On:
Mar 22, 2026 13:52 IST
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