Araghchi: Strait of Hormuz ‘not closed’ to those who respect Iran’s ‘navigational rights’

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi says ships are avoiding the Strait of Hormuz because the United States and its allies fail to respect Iran’s trade and navigational rights.

In a post on the social media platform X on Tuesday, Araghchi stated: “The Strait of Hormuz is not closed. Ships hesitate because insurers fear the war of choice you initiated, not Iran.”

“No insurer, and no Iranian, will be swayed by more threats. Try respect,” he added.

He further warned that freedom of navigation must be accompanied by freedom of trade, saying, recognize Iran’s right to both of them, or you will be deprived of them as well.

During a phone conversation on Monday with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Araghchi underscored that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to vessels belonging to aggressor parties and their supporters, while ships from other countries face no issues transiting the strategic waterway after coordinating with Iranian authorities.

Araghchi emphasized that the current regional situation and insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz are direct consequences of illegal US and Israeli attacks against Iran. He reaffirmed that Tehran will decisively defend its national sovereignty and territorial integrity against these acts of aggression.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20 percent of global oil supplies transit, has been a focal point of the ongoing tensions.

Iran has consistently maintained that the waterway remains open for harmless passage under regulations ensuring Iranian security and interests, while being closed to enemy and hostile traffic.

Iranian officials have repeatedly warned that any further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would result in the complete closure of the strait, which would have severe repercussions for global energy markets.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched a military offensive that included the assassination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and multiple senior commanders.

In response, Iran has conducted waves of retaliatory missile and drone strikes against US interests across West Asia and Israeli positions in the occupied territories.

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