Iran says Strait of Hormuz open to all except US and allies

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, but warned that access is effectively closed to the United States and its allies amid escalating regional tensions.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Araghchi said Iran was exercising its right to self-defence in response to the American-Israeli aggression.

“From our perspective, the strait is open, but it is closed only to our enemies and their allies,” he said, adding that Iran would continue to resist “with pride”.

Araghchi rejected suggestions that Tehran had sought a ceasefire, stating that Iran had not initiated any such request.

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“We did not send any message, nor did we request a ceasefire, but this war must end in a way that makes the enemies think a thousand times before committing any aggression again,” he said.

He added that Iran would continue to fight as long as necessary, stressing that the country would not hesitate to defend itself.

The foreign minister also said that the United States had initially demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” at the outset of the conflict before later shifting its position.

The remarks come as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify, with the Strait of Hormuz—through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes—emerging as a central point of tension.

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