Iran Elaborates on Principles for Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz

On the 22nd, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, stating that the Strait of Hormuz has not been blocked, and vessels can continue to navigate the waterway provided they comply with the necessary measures taken due to the war situation. At the same time, the statement elaborated Iran's principled stance on shipping and navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in the declaration that following the military aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran, the situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz has become perilous, directly affecting regional shipping and navigation safety. To exercise the legitimate right to self-defense, Iran has adopted a series of measures to ensure that the aggressors and their supporters do not misuse the Strait of Hormuz to advance their aggressive objectives.

The statement said that vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, and other countries involved in the aggression do not meet the conditions for normal and non-hostile passage, and Iran will deal with them in accordance with the law; vessels belonging to other countries or associated with them that are non-hostile, as long as they are not involved in or cooperating with aggressive actions against Iran, and comply with the safety regulations and measures announced by Iran, can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz after coordinating with the relevant Iranian authorities.

The statement emphasized that to fully restore sustainable security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, military aggression and threats against Iran must cease, the destabilizing actions of the United States and Israel must stop, and Iran's legitimate interests must be fully respected.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi elaborated on these principles through social media on the same day. He also emphasized that Iran will not yield to threats, "Rather than threaten, respect. Without freedom of trade, there is no freedom of navigation."

U.S. President Trump posted on social media on the evening of the 21st, threatening Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, or else the United States would destroy Iran's "various power plants."