Non-hostile ships can transit Strait of Hormuz- Iran tells UN

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, as noted in a document seen by Reuters on Tuesday. The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has significantly disrupted the shipment of about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through this vital waterway, leading to supply issues. The communication from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was sent to the 15-member Security Council and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday. It was shared on Tuesday with the 176 members of the London-based U.N. shipping agency that oversees international shipping safety and pollution prevention. The document states that “non-hostile vessels, including those from or linked to other countries, may - as long as they do not engage in or support aggressive actions against Iran and fully adhere to the established safety and security rules - have safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the relevant Iranian authorities.” It also mentioned that Iran has “taken necessary and proportionate measures to stop aggressors and their supporters from using the Strait of Hormuz for hostile operations against Iran.” Furthermore, the note specified that vessels, equipment, and any assets tied to the U.S. or Israel, along with others involved in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage. The Financial Times was the first to report on the circulation of this letter among IMO member states on Tuesday.