US-Israel-Iran War: Amid the growing tensions after the United States had “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s main oil hub of Kharg Island, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping but is closed to vessels belonging to countries that are attacking his country.
Strait of Hormuz is the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Pertinent to note that Kharg is 26 km from Iran’s coast, about 483 km northwest of the Strait of Hormuz.
What Araghchi said
Iran said on Saturday that vessels from all countries except the US and Israel will be allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, he said that the key maritime route remains operational.
Araghchi in an interview with MS Now, said: “As a matter of fact, this Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and the allies. Others are free to pass.”
Abbas Araghchi added that many ships “prefer” not to undertake the journey due to “security concerns,” but insisted , “this has nothing to do with us.”
In a separate post on X, Araghchi criticised the US’ regional security role, saying the “touted US security umbrella has proven to be full of holes and inviting rather than deterring trouble. US is now begging others, even China, to help it make Hormuz safe. Iran calls on brotherly neighbors to expel foreign aggressors, especially as their only concern is Israel.”
