Iran: Strait of Hormuz open with restrictions

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani announced on Monday that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open for international navigation, but he stipulated that all vessels must coordinate their passage with Iranian naval forces. The statement was made in Tehran, Iran's capital, and comes amid heightened regional tensions and a series of recent maritime incidents, underscoring Iran's assertion of authority over the critical waterway. This declaration serves as both a reassurance to global shipping and a clear reminder of Tehran's control over the chokepoint, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passes. The announcement follows a period of increased military activity and diplomatic friction in the Persian Gulf. Iran has historically threatened to close the strait in response to international sanctions or perceived threats to its security. The new condition for coordination effectively formalizes a de facto practice, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy frequently monitors and sometimes intercepts ships in the area. This move is interpreted by analysts as a strategic effort to project sovereignty and ensure compliance with Iranian regulations, while avoiding a full-scale closure that would trigger a severe global economic and military response. International reactions have been cautious, with major shipping associations and global powers monitoring the situation closely. The requirement for coordination raises practical and legal questions under international maritime law, which guarantees the right of 'innocent passage' through such straits. Shipping companies now face operational uncertainty, needing to navigate between Iran's new directive and the established norms of freedom of navigation. The development highlights the fragile balance in one of the world's most vital maritime corridors, where geopolitical tensions directly impact global energy security and trade routes.