Iran has formally communicated to the United Nations Security Council that only “non-hostile vessels” may navigate the Strait of Hormuz, contingent upon coordination with Iranian authorities. The note, which specifically excludes vessels from the United States, Israel, and other nations deemed as aggressors, was reported by Reuters.
According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, vessels from other countries can safely transit the strait provided they are not involved in any acts of aggression against Iran and adhere to established safety protocols. The note emphasizes that assets from the U.S., Israel, and other aggressor states are not entitled to peaceful passage.
Iran has asserted that it has taken “necessary and proportional measures” to prevent the use of the strait for hostile operations against its territory. This communication was sent to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on March 22 and subsequently disseminated among the 176 members of the International Maritime Organization, which oversees maritime security.
The ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran have effectively disrupted the transit of approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas through this critical maritime route.
On February 28, Israel conducted an airstrike on Tehran, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to announce the commencement of a “major military operation” aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine, stating that the operation’s objective is to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and naval capabilities to prevent global destabilization.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the escalating military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council. The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for providing Iranians with an opportunity to rid themselves of what he termed a “terrorist regime” and to ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian aggression.
On February 28, Trump announced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). On March 1, the IRGC declared the initiation of “the most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. military installations.
Trump warned the Iranian regime to abandon its military plans, threatening a “very strong response” if they did not comply. On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete overhaul of Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain ayatollah, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
When asked to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, Trump declined, stating only, “We’ll see what happens.” Previously, he had remarked that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
Iran has issued a warning regarding maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, restricting passage for vessels from the U.S. and Israel amid escalating military tensions. The situation has significant implications for global oil transit and regional stability.
Source: Reuters