Iran Denies Closing the Strait of Hormuz Again

Iran stated on the 6th that there are currently no plans to close the Strait of Hormuz and denied reports that Iran has fully blocked the strait.

According to semi-official Iranian media outlet Tasnim News Agency on the 6th, a senior officer of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on national television that reports claiming Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz are inaccurate. “We are being accused by some of closing the strait, but in fact, Iran has not closed it,” the officer stated. Iran will handle shipping in the relevant waters according to international navigation rules.

Iran’s state television also quoted military sources on the 6th, saying, “The Strait of Hormuz remains open, but any ships belonging to the United States or Israel will become targets.”

On the same day, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Hatiqzadeh, speaking at an international conference in New Delhi, India, said Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz and has no immediate plans to do so. He stated, “If Iran decides to close the strait, it will be officially announced.”

Several Iranian media outlets on the 5th cited an Iranian military officer saying that Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz. The officer said Iran treats transit ships in accordance with international agreements, “only intercepting warships disguised as commercial vessels.” The IRGC also stated on the same day that during wartime, Iran has the right to control passage and navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and ships from the United States, Israel, and European countries are prohibited from passing.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)