Iran FM: Strait of Hormuz Not Closed but US and Israeli Vessels Barred from Passage

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced Sunday evening (March 22) that "the Strait of Hormuz is not closed and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has not stopped," but that transit through it is subject to "considerations arising from the state of war." The statement declared that any vessel belonging to or associated with the United States, the Zionist regime, and their supporters does not have the right to "innocent passage," and that preventing their transit is definitive. Non-hostile ships belonging to other countries may benefit from safe passage, conditional on "non-participation or cooperation in aggressive operations against Iran" and compliance with safety regulations "in coordination with Iran's competent authorities." The ministry stated that responsibility for any insecurity lies with Washington and Tel Aviv, and that the return of lasting stability to the region depends only on "ending military aggression and terminating threats" and "full respect for Iran's legitimate interests."