Mar 23 • 00:28 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Iran claims 'no blockade on Hormuz Strait, non-adversarial countries can navigate' just one day before the '48-hour' deadline

Iran asserts that the Hormuz Strait remains open and places the blame for logistical delays on the United States, despite an imminent ultimatum from President Donald Trump.

As the deadline set by President Donald Trump approaches, Iran is firmly stating that the Hormuz Strait is not blocked and is accusing the United States of causing logistical disruptions in maritime shipping. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the hesitance of vessels to navigate is not due to any Iranian action but rather fears stemming from the potential conflict pushed by the U.S. He reiterated that freedom of navigation is integral to the freedom of trade and should not be hindered by escalating tensions.

In an official statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry declared that there are no issues for non-adversarial countries' vessels to pass through the strait. In their reasoning, the vessels and assets associated with the U.S., Israel, and other parties involved in recent aggression are excluded from safe passage guarantees. This consistent messaging from Iranian officials signifies an attempt to maintain maritime stability while countering U.S. narratives surrounding the impending ultimatum.

Additionally, the Iranian representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reiterated these points, stressing that the Hormuz Strait remains accessible to all vessels except those linked to Iran's adversaries. He mentioned ready cooperation with the IMO to ensure safe passage following security coordination with the Iranian government. This situation unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, where statements from key figures such as the Iranian Parliament Speaker indicate strong retaliatory sentiments should U.S. actions escalate further, suggesting that broader regional stability is at stake amidst these ongoing disputes.

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