Iran said Saturday all countries except for the US and Israel may pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
“As a matter of fact, this strait of Hormuz is open,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.
Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquified petroleum gas crossed the Strait, Reuters reported Saturday.
He spoke after President Trump threatened to destroy Iran’s oil infrastructure on its Kharg Island energy hub — through which 90% of its oil exports pass — if it refuses to allow safe passage.
“It is only closed to the tankers and ships belong[ing] to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass,” Araghchi told MS NOW.
He noted that many ships “prefer” not to undertake the journey due to “security concerns” but insisted, “this has nothing to do with us.”
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Thanks for signing up!
“And I can say that the Strait is not closed, but it is only closed to American, Israeli, you know, ships and tankers, and not to others.”
“They crossed the Strait of Hormuz early morning safely and are en route to India,” Rajesh Kumar Sinha, the minister of ports and shipping in New Delhi, said Saturday.
