Iran Sets Conditions for Strait of Hormuz Passage, Blames US and Israel for Maritime Insecurity
NAIROBI, Kenya – The Islamic Republic of Iran has issued a formal statement clarifying the status of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, outlining strict conditions for safe passage while rejecting allegations that the critical waterway has been closed.
In a press release dated March 27, 2026, the Embassy of Iran in Nairobi emphasized that while maritime traffic continues, the situation remains highly volatile due to what it described as “ongoing illegal military aggression by the US and the Israeli regime.”
Iran reaffirmed that vessels belonging to non-belligerent states may transit the strait provided they meet three key conditions: they do not cooperate with what Iran terms “unlawful aggression,” they comply with notified safety and security measures, and they coordinate in advance with competent Iranian authorities.
“Non-hostile vessels, including those belonging to or associated with other States, may benefit from safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz—provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations,” the embassy stated.
The Iranian government has formally communicated its position to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), asserting that its actions fall within the framework of its sovereignty and its inherent right of self-defense under international law.
However, the statement made a clear distinction regarding vessels linked to its adversaries. “Vessels, crafts, and any capacities belonging to the aggressors—particularly the US and the Israeli regime—or employed in support of the aggression and its continuation, do not possess the character of normal, non-belligerent transit,” the embassy said, adding that such assets “shall be dealt with in accordance with the decisions and measures of the competent Iranian authorities.”
Iranian officials categorically dismissed media reports suggesting the strait had been shut down, describing such allegations as “baseless” and part of a propaganda campaign aimed at distorting public opinion. The embassy specifically pointed to reports concerning the impact on living expenses in countries like Kenya, claiming they were “products of the US and the Israeli regime’s propaganda machinery.”
“It is self-evident that responsibility for any disruption, insecurity, and heightened danger in this strategic waterway and the surrounding area lies directly with the United States and the Israeli regime,” the statement concluded, accusing the two countries of placing regional security and international shipping at risk through their actions.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a vital chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply passes.
About The Author
