Iran Keeps Strait of Hormuz Open With Restrictions as Trump Issues Fresh Threats

The Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to global shipping, except for vessels associated with countries considered hostile to Iran, according to Iranian media reports published on Sunday.

The position was conveyed by Iran’s representative to the United Nations maritime agency, Ali Mousavi, in an interview released on Friday by Chinese news agency Xinhua. His remarks came ahead of a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to target Iran’s energy infrastructure if the strategic waterway was not fully opened within 48 hours.
Amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran, fears of potential Iranian attacks have significantly reduced maritime traffic through the narrow strait. The passage is a critical global energy route, responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, raising concerns over possible disruptions to global supply.
Mousavi, who also serves as Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, stated that Tehran remains committed to working with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to enhance maritime safety and safeguard seafarers in the Gulf region. He added that vessels not linked to Iran’s adversaries could safely transit the strait by coordinating with Iranian authorities on security arrangements.
He emphasized that while diplomacy remains Iran’s preferred approach, achieving lasting stability depends on ending hostilities and rebuilding mutual trust. Mousavi further attributed the current tensions in the Strait of Hormuz to what he described as ongoing attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran.
(Reuters)