Iran says "strait is open except for warring nations"! "Non-hostile vessels" can pass through the Strait of Hormuz "in coordination with Iran"

Iran Makes Latest Statement on Navigation Rules in the Strait of Hormuz: “Open to all except warring states.”

According to Xinhua News Agency on March 24, Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Foreign Minister, had a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. Araghchi stated that Iran is committed to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire, not just a temporary one. The Strait of Hormuz is open to all, and ships can pass safely, but warring states are not considered. He hopes all parties take measures conducive to de-escalating the situation rather than escalating conflict.

Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s principled stance, emphasizing that all hot-button issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not force. He hopes all parties seize every opportunity and window for peace to quickly start peace talks.

According to the latest details disclosed by media, Iran further clarified its passage conditions in a letter sent on Tuesday, March 24, to members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated in the letter that “non-hostile ships” can “pass through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Iranian authorities.” As long as foreign ships do not assist in aggression against Iran and comply with Iranian regulations, they are permitted to transit the Strait. The letter notes that if countries coordinate with Iranian authorities, they can enjoy safe passage.

The letter states that ships related to the US and Israel, as well as “other parties involved in aggression, are not eligible for innocent or non-hostile passage.” The Iranian Foreign Ministry said it has taken “necessary and proportionate measures to prevent aggressors and their supporters from using the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile actions against Iran.”

Shipping data shows that approximately 3,200 ships are currently stranded in the Gulf region. Since the outbreak of conflict, at least 22 ships have been attacked. Analysts point out that Iran has recently allowed a small number of ships to pass through its territorial waters, likely to verify ship identities.

$2 Million “Toll”?

As the passage conditions in the Strait of Hormuz become clearer, rumors about Iran charging a “toll” for passage are also spreading.

Media reports on Tuesday indicated that Iran is temporarily charging some commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz a toll, with single charges reaching up to $2 million. According to Lloyd’s List Intelligence and informed sources, some ships have paid up to $2 million to ensure safe passage.

Iranian MP Mansour Alimardani revealed that the Iranian parliament is preparing new regulations to manage traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He explained, “Iran has always pursued a policy of international cooperation in the Strait, but the pressure from illegal sanctions has led Iran to temporarily restrict cargo transit to demonstrate its ability to manage global energy transportation.”

He told Mehr News Agency in Tehran that the plan includes two parts: “First, reciprocal actions against countries supporting US sanctions on Iran; second, shifting transactions from the dollar to alternative currencies.”

However, according to CCTV News, Iran’s Embassy in India explicitly denied on March 23 that it charges $2 million tolls from passing ships, calling such claims “baseless.”

Shipping Disruptions

Since the conflict erupted on February 28, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely affected.

Statistics show that about 3,200 ships are stranded in the Gulf area, unwilling to risk passing through the narrowest part of the strait, which is only 21 nautical miles wide. Since the conflict began, at least 22 ships have been attacked by Iran. SV Anchan, CEO of Safesea Group in the US, called on “all governments to step up and work to resolve this situation.” The company’s Safesea Vishnu was attacked on March 11 and is now “beyond repair.”

The international community has expressed high concern over the situation in the strait. According to CCTV News, Indian Prime Minister Modi said on Tuesday that he had a phone call with US President Trump, and both agreed to maintain communication to promote regional peace and stability. Modi emphasized that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, unobstructed, and safe is crucial for the entire world. The Indian government also issued a statement on Tuesday affirming that international law guarantees navigation freedom, and no party should charge fees for using the strait.

Additionally, Kuwait warned that blocking the strait could trigger a domino effect worldwide. CCTV News reported that French President Macron called on relevant parties to cease attacks on Middle Eastern energy facilities and urged Iran to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

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