Iran has informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that “non-hostile vessels” can pass through the Strait of Hormuz if they coordinate with Iranian authorities, according to a note obtained by Reuters on Tuesday.
The ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel has effectively disrupted shipments of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through the strait, creating significant supply interruptions.
The note, issued by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, was sent to the 15-member Security Council and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and later shared with the 176 members of the London-based U.N. shipping agency, which oversees the safety and security of international shipping and pollution prevention.
It stated that “non-hostile vessels, including those of other states, may safely transit the Strait of Hormuz if they do not take part in or support any acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations, in coordination with Iranian authorities.”
The note also emphasized that Iran has taken “necessary and proportionate measures” to prevent aggressors and their supporters from using the strait for hostile actions. Vessels, equipment, or assets linked to the U.S., Israel, or other participants in the conflict are not eligible for safe or non-hostile passage.
