“Because India is our friend”: Iran envoy signals safe passage for Indian ships in Strait of Hormuz

Amid heightened tensions in West Asia, Iran’s ambassador to India said Tehran would ensure safe passage for Indian interests through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as the regional conflict entered its 14th day on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mohammad Fathali said India remains a trusted partner for Iran and that Indian vessels would not face difficulties in the vital shipping lane.

“…Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying at 6:35 pm IST.

The remarks come as concerns grow over shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of the world’s oil shipments pass.

Strait still open, says Iran’s representative

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi has meanwhile claimed that the waterway has not been formally closed, though the ongoing conflict has created operational difficulties for commercial vessels.

“Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through,” he told reporters in Delhi.

He also urged global leaders to intervene and push for an end to the conflict.

“Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it… Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war,” ANI quoted Ilahi as saying.

He further insisted that Iran had not started the conflict and said Tehran had been pursuing diplomatic engagement with Washington before the escalation.

“Iran did not initiate this war. Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States and was also pursuing diplomatic efforts… Suddenly, the United States, along with the Zionist regime, attacked Iran, and they targeted a lot of civilians in Iran. We will win in this war, and we are prepared to sacrifice everything we possess for the sake of our dignity and our land,” Ilahi said.

US says ‘dealing with’ escalations in Hormuz

The United States has dismissed concerns about a blockade threat in the waterway. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, US war secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was prepared to maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait.

“As the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz — something we’re dealing with; we have been dealing with it. Don’t need to worry about it.”

Hegseth also blamed Iran for disrupting shipping traffic.

“The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping.”

The comments come as maritime tensions in the Gulf region escalate. A report by Reuters earlier said explosive-laden Iranian boats appeared to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them on fire and killing one crew member.

The report added that projectiles had struck four vessels across Gulf waters, bringing the total number of ships hit in the region since the conflict began to at least 16. The attacks on vessels linked to the United States and Europe mark a sharp escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict.

New Iranian leader calls for continued blockade

The remarks came after Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first address after assuming leadership, called for the continued use of the Strait of Hormuz blockade as strategic leverage.

“Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.”

The new Iranian leader has also vowed vengeance for the deaths of his father and others killed in US-Israel strikes.