Iran has allowed all ships except U.S. and Israeli vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, intensifying tensions in a vital oil transit corridor. The decision, announced by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, followed recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian positions at Kharg Island—an area crucial for Iran’s oil exports.
The new policy targets what Iran terms “enemy” nations, while allowing other countries’ vessels to continue sailing through the strait. Despite ongoing security concerns leading many shipping lines to avoid the route, Araghchi noted that these risks are independent of Iran’s actions. Commercial shipping has not halted entirely, as shown by two Indian-flagged tankers navigating the waterway on March 14. Nonetheless, UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that sixteen ships have been attacked in the area since the conflict escalated late February.
In reaction, President Donald Trump threatened to retaliate against Iran’s oil infrastructure—responsible for nearly all of the nation’s oil exports—unless unrestricted passage is reestablished. Trump further stated that the U.S. and allied countries including the UK, France, and Japan would send naval forces to ensure the strait remains accessible and secure for international commerce.
Addressing recent speculation about Iran’s leadership, Araghchi dismissed statements from U.S. officials suggesting that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been harmed or killed, affirming instead that he remains actively fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities.
On the subject of nuclear talks, Araghchi refuted allegations that Iran had threatened U.S. negotiators with nuclear capabilities. He clarified that his remarks about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium were intended to back claims of Iran’s willingness to make significant concessions, and attributed any misunderstanding to either mistaken interpretation or deliberate misrepresentation by U.S. officials.
