Iran says ‘non-hostile vessels’ can transit Strait of Hormuz: statement to IMO

Iran has said “non-hostile vessels” can transit the Strait of Hormuz if they comply with safety and security regulations and coordinate with relevant authorities, according to a statement shared with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

“Non-hostile vessels… may — provided they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran, and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations — benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent authorities,” the statement said.

The IMO said the communiqué, dated Sunday, was issued by Iran’s foreign ministry and circulated to member states and NGOs at Tehran’s request.

The statement added that vessels or assets linked to “aggressor parties” — namely the United States and Israel — as well as others involved in hostilities, would not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.

Iran also blamed Washington and Israel for any disruption or escalation in the critical waterway, accusing them of waging an “unlawful and destabilising war” that has threatened regional stability and international shipping.

Tehran has effectively restricted traffic through the strait since US-Israeli strikes on February 28, a move that has sent global oil and gas prices sharply higher.