Iran Says ‘Non-Hostile’ Ships Can Sail Through the Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• Iran has informed the International Maritime Organization that "non-hostile" ships, excluding those from the U.S. and Israel or supporting aggression against Iran, may safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed to tankers since the U.S.-Israeli military campaign began last month.
• Tanker operators have largely avoided the strait due to fears of Iranian attacks, causing significant disruption to global oil and gas shipments, especially impacting Asian countries reliant on Middle East energy supplies.
• Iran stated that security in the strait depends on the cessation of military aggression and threats, signaling that a full reopening may require a peace agreement between the involved parties.
• Despite public denials, there are reports of indirect communications between Iran and the U.S. about de-escalation, and some ships have recently passed through the strait, indicating limited Iranian allowance of passage.
• Approximately 800 tankers remain idled near the strait, and Iran’s letter emphasized compliance with safety regulations for passage but did not specify detailed rules, amid ongoing regional tensions and attacks on ships since the conflict began.