Iran's Statement on Passage through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s ambassador to the UK and permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, Mousavi, said on the 19th in an exclusive interview with Xinhua News Agency that Iran is willing to facilitate the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but only if its sovereignty and security are fully respected, and arrangements are coordinated with Iran.

The 36th special session of the IMO Council was held at its headquarters in London from the 18th to the 19th to discuss the situation in the Gulf region, especially the Strait of Hormuz. During the interview at the Iranian Embassy in the UK, Mousavi reiterated Iran’s position on the passage through the Strait: “The Strait of Hormuz is open to all ships except those belonging to our enemies. We are exercising our right to self-defense and protecting our territorial integrity.”

Mousavi stated that the aggressive actions by the US and Israel in the Strait of Hormuz and other areas have created a very complex, severe, and disastrous situation. “The current situation in the Strait of Hormuz is the result of illegal military activities by them against the Iranian people and Iran’s territorial integrity.”

According to IMO data, since the US and Israel launched large-scale military operations against Iran on February 28, at least seven sailors have been killed in attacks on merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz area, with several others seriously injured. Currently, about 20,000 sailors remain on ships in the Persian Gulf.

Mousavi emphasized that the security situation in the Persian Gulf, especially the Strait of Hormuz, is crucial for Iran. Iran welcomes any initiatives and suggestions aimed at achieving safer international shipping and providing better security for seafarers, and will continue to cooperate with the IMO and maritime authorities of various countries.

He stated that Iran, as a member of the IMO, is aware of its commitments and obligations, but these should be fulfilled under the premise that Iran’s territorial integrity, national dignity, and sovereignty are respected. Iran is willing to facilitate the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but arrangements should be coordinated based on the security situation and in consultation with relevant Iranian authorities.

Mousavi said that the current war is imposed on Iran by the US and Israel and is an act of aggression against Iran. Iran prefers to resolve disputes through diplomatic means. Attacks by the US and Israel on civilian facilities such as schools are crimes against the Iranian people. “We need to raise public awareness about such atrocities and criminal activities.”

He added that Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure “crossed another red line,” and Iran will take appropriate countermeasures. Any assets belonging to the US and Israel will be considered legitimate targets.

Regarding the conflict affecting Gulf Arab countries, Mousavi said that the conflict impacts Iran and its Gulf neighbors, affecting global energy markets and food security. “People in different countries are very concerned about this. They should raise this issue with US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu: Why are they waging this war against the Iranian people and our region? They should be held accountable for their crimes.”

Mousavi called on the international community to condemn the US and Israel’s acts of aggression and take measures to prevent such violations of international law from happening again.

He stated that the Iranian people have shown extraordinary unity during the conflict. “Iranian history has proven that they stand united in the face of invaders and enemies who seek to infringe on their territorial integrity and sovereignty.”

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)