Agadir – Iran has announced that Japanese ships will be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most strategic maritime routes.
According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Iran has not entirely closed the waterway, but has imposed restrictions based on recent conflicts.
“We have not closed the strait. In our opinion, the strait is open. It is closed only to ships belonging to our enemies, countries that attack us. For other countries, ships can pass through the strait ,” Araghchi told Japan’s Kyodo News.
He further stressed Iran’s willingness to coordinate with affected countries to ensure safe passage. “We are talking to them to find a way to pass safely. We are ready to provide them with safe passage,” he added.
Japan receives over 90% of its crude oil from the Gulf region, and most of it is transported by ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The recent disruptions have resulted in a reduction in the number of ships passing through the region.
At the start of the conflict, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that it could target any ships that sought passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has since indicated that ships from certain countries may continue to pass, provided coordination with Tehran is ensured.
According to maritime reports, a number of vessels have successfully passed through the strait by sailing close to Iran’s shores, which is now being referred to as a “safe corridor.”
The latest vessel, a Greek-flagged bulk carrier, reportedly transited near Iran’s Larak Island on Friday, according to Lloyd’s.
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