TEHRAN: Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh has said that US naval vessels can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are not involved in any hostile activity.
According to BBC Persian, Iranian authorities stated that the Strait of Hormuz is currently open; however, for safe passage, vessels must remain in contact with Iranian forces to ensure technical and security matters.
The deputy minister said Iran will ensure the safety of ships through designated secure routes.
The statement comes at a time when US President Donald Trump had criticized Iran, accusing it of not adopting an appropriate approach regarding oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and acting against agreed arrangements.
Meanwhile, in a statement published in Iranian state media, the Revolutionary Guards instructed vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz to strictly follow maritime security protocols and adopt alternative routes to avoid potential threats, particularly mines.
According to a map issued by the Revolutionary Guards, ships entering from the Sea of Oman can pass north of Larak Island to reach the Persian Gulf, while on return, vessels can travel south of Larak Island toward the Sea of Oman.
Experts say tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could pose a threat to global oil supplies, as the route is considered one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
