TEHRAN — Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping but said vessels from the United States, Israel and their allies will not be allowed to pass through the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials said the restriction applies to countries Tehran considers hostile, while ships from other nations can continue using the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following recent military confrontations between Iran and its regional and Western adversaries.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, with about one-fifth of global oil supplies passing through the channel. Any disruption to traffic in the strait can have significant effects on global energy markets and shipping.
International shipping companies and governments have closely monitored the situation as tensions raise concerns about possible disruptions to oil supplies and commercial maritime traffic.
It was not immediately clear how Iran plans to enforce the restriction or how other countries will respond. The United States maintains a strong naval presence in the region and has previously pledged to ensure freedom of navigation through the waterway.
