Iran Vows to Keep the Strait of Hormuz Open for All Ships

In a statement that sounded almost like a reassurance to the world’s shipping community, Iran’s ambassador to Russia told reporters that Tehran is committed to guaranteeing safe passage for every vessel that threads the narrow waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized that the policy applies no matter whose flag the ship flies.

"We will do everything in our power to keep the strait open and secure," the envoy said, adding that Iran’s navy and coast guard are on high alert, ready to intervene if any incident threatens the flow of commerce. The comment comes at a time when the strategic chokepoint – through which about a fifth of the world’s oil passes – has been under a cloud of uncertainty after a spate of regional incidents.

While Tehran has repeatedly warned that it will defend its territorial waters, it has also stressed that it does not wish to see the strait become a battlefield. "Our aim is not to pick sides but to ensure that the strait remains a conduit for trade, not a stage for conflict," the diplomat added, his tone mixing caution with a hint of optimism.

The ambassador’s remarks were made during a meeting with Russian officials in Moscow, where both countries discussed broader security concerns in the Persian Gulf. Russia, which maintains a naval presence in the region, echoed Iran’s call for stability, noting that any disruption would ripple through global energy markets.

Analysts say the declaration is both a diplomatic gesture and a practical signal. By publicly affirming its role as a guarantor of safe navigation, Iran hopes to counter accusations that it might weaponise the strait, especially after recent attacks on commercial vessels in nearby waters.

For ship owners and captains, the message is clear: Iran is watching closely and is prepared to act if needed, but it also wants the world’s freight traffic to keep moving without unnecessary delays.