Iran’s foreign ministry said that vessels of non-hostile states are entitled to safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions.
A document provided by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), said Iran issued a statement on March 22, and circulated by the IMO among all its members at Iran’s request.
“Vessels belonging to non-hostile countries provided they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with declared safety and security regulations, may benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.
“Vessels, equipment and all types of assets belonging to the United States and Israel, as well as those involved in acts of aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage.
“Within the legal framework governing armed conflict, such assets will be handled in accordance with decisions and measures adopted by the competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement said.
The document noted that any arrangement, initiative or mechanism concerning maritime safety and security in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman must fully respect Iran’s rights and legitimate interests.
It added that all agreements must be conducted in full coordination with its competent authorities, and take into account the realities arising from the aggression and the ongoing conflict.
The statement noted that the full restoration of security and the sustainable stability of the Strait of Hormuz depend on the cessation of military aggression and threats, an end to destabilising actions by the United States and Israel, and full respect for Iran’s legitimate interests.
The Iranian side reiterated that what it described as “military aggression” by the United States and Israel constitutes a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and international law, creating a dangerous and destabilising situation in the Persian Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz.
The consequences have directly and adversely affected the safety and security of maritime navigation.
In exercising its inherent right of self-defense, Iran said it has taken “necessary and proportionate measures,” in addition to targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region, to prevent aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz for hostile operations against Iran.
“In order to reduce risks faced by vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman, Iran has implemented a series of ‘precautionary measures’.
“The Strait of Hormuz remains open and maritime traffic has not been suspended. Navigation continues, subject to compliance with the necessary measures and the realities arising from the ongoing conflict,” the statement added.
