Iran Announces Strait Of Hormuz Is Open To All Ships If They Cooperate With Its Navy

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic, but ships must cooperate with the Iranian Navy and the authorities while navigating the region.

He spoke with Iranian state media ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi and blamed the U.S for creating instability in the region and imposing an “illegal blockade” affecting Iranian ports and maritime activities.

He also said that the difficulties around ship movements were due to American actions in the Gulf and not due to any restrictions imposed by Iran, which has made its stance very clear.

Aragachi also claimed that the U.S has escalated the situation in the entire Gulf region and around the Strait of Hormuz by trying to target Iran and prevent its oil exports from leaving the country.

He also expressed hope that the situation would improve if restrictions on Iran were lifted while arguing that his country had offered a balanced deal, but the U.S. wanted Iran to transfer its uranium, which is not acceptable, since it is not negotiation but dictation.

Other issues over which the U.S. and Iran cannot reach a common ground, apart from the nuclear program, include American military presence, sanctions, and maritime security.

Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also commented on the security situation in Hormuz, stating that Iran operates within international law and that maritime transparency and safety would increase if regional tensions decreased.

He targeted the Trump administration for failing to engage in ‘serious diplomacy’ to resolve the ongoing crisis, which is affecting every country.

After the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks on February, 28, 2026, commercial traffic has declined.

The situation also led to a rise in oil prices and insurance spikes for ships sailing through the region.

Many countries in Asia, such as Vietnam, have been hard hit. Last week, Vietnam requested the U.S Navy to allow a tanker loaded with Iraqi oil to pass through its naval blockade as the country’s reserves are running critically low.