Iran has announced its intention to permit “non-hostile” vessels to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, explicitly barring those from the US and Israel. This development comes as President Trump expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations, citing a “very significant prize” secured from Tehran.
During a speech to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Tuesday, Iranian officials assured the international community that passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains open provided ships coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to the Financial Times.
Nevertheless, Tehran made it clear that vessels associated with the US, Israel, and “other participants in the aggression” are not eligible for what Iran terms innocent or non-hostile passage.
Since the onset of hostilities, Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade artery responsible for the transport of 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Iran has repeatedly declared its intention to target only the ships of its adversaries and their allies in the strait, having already attacked approximately 20 vessels attempting to navigate its waters since the conflict began.
This standoff has left about 2,000 ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, according to the IMO, disrupting a crucial route that typically accommodates around 130 ships daily.
Despite the closure, only about 90 ships have been able to transit the strait.
“[Tehran has] taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran,â Iranâs foreign ministry said, according to the FT.
It remains unclear what exactly will change to allow passage through the strait, but several outlets inside Iran report that lawmakers are moving to create a toll system, similar to how Egypt controls the Suez Canal.
Iran’s move to exert further control on the Strait of Hormuz comes as Trump said negotiations were moving smoothly with Tehran, with the president claiming that the Islamic regime sent him a “present” as a show of good will.
“It was a very significant prize, and they gave it to us, and they said they were going to give it. So that meant one thing to me, we’re dealing with the right people,” he said of the Iranian negotiators.
He clarified it is not nuclear-related but did say it was “oil and gas related,” and tied to the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite Trump’s repeated stating that his administration is in talks with Iran, the Islamic Republic has denied that any such negotiations are taking place, accusing the president of trying to ease worries in the stock market and oil industry.
