Iran: Strait of Hormuz open to “non-hostile” ships
The Strait of Hormuz is being opened to “non-hostile” ships, according to Iran.
Two ships – one Chinese and one Thai – have passed through since the announcement.
– I requested safe passage, and they replied that they would take care of it, says Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.
Late last night, a letter arrived to a small circle within the UN maritime agency IMO from Iran’s UN ambassador.
It stated that “non-hostile” ships could be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz “in coordination with Iranian authorities.”
The strait, through which about a fifth of the world’s oil usually passes, has been essentially completely closed by Iran since the war began on February 28.
On his X account, Iran’s UN ambassador elaborated on the new decision: “Non-hostile ships, including those belonging to or linked to other states, may – provided that they neither participate in nor support aggressive actions against Iran and fully comply with security regulations – be allowed safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Two ships
The Foreign Ministry in Tehran also stated that Iran had now “taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to promote hostile operations against Iran,” and could therefore open the strait to traffic for friendly actors.
Since then, two ships have passed through, according to media reports reviewed by Aftonbladet.
The BBC has identified a Chinese-owned tanker named Egret, which this morning was traveling west into the Persian Gulf and much closer to the Iranian coast than previously seen by the few ships allowed to pass during the war.
And since then, Thailand has negotiated a passage for an oil tanker through the strait, according to the Reuters news agency.
“Take care of the matter”
The tanker belongs to the semi-state energy company Bangchak Corporation, which is one of the country's largest, and had been stuck in the Persian Gulf since March 11. It is now expected to arrive in Thailand in early April, according to Reuters.
– I sent a request for Thai ships to be allowed to pass through the strait with safe passage. They replied that they would take care of the matter and asked us for the names of the ships, said Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at a press conference.
Since the start of the war, Iran has threatened anyone passing through the strait with attacks, and a number of ships have also been attacked.
US President Donald Trump has in turn threatened attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure if the strait is not opened. At the same time, several agencies are working for a complete opening - and a solution to the war.
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