Iran will allow ‘non-hostile vessels’ to pass through Strait of Hormuz

Leaders in Iran sent a Tuesday letter to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirming that “non-hostile vessels” would be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

The choke point carries a fifth of the world’s oil per day. But few ships have made the journey through the single passageway from the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean since the start of the war with Iran.

“In the exercise of its inherent right of self-defence, the Islamic Republic of Iran has, in addition to targeting U.S. military bases and facilities in the region, taken necessary and proportionate measures to prevent the aggressors and their supporters from exploiting the Strait of Hormuz to advance hostile operations against Iran,” Iran’s Foreign Ministry wrote in the letter obtained by the AI Monitor.

“As the coastal State bordering the Strait, the Islamic Republic of Iran, in full conformity with established principles and rules of international law, has restricted the passage of vessels belonging to or associated with the aggressors and those participating in their acts of aggression,” it added.

Since the Feb. 28 strike on Iran, some ships have paid up to $2 million toll to Tehran to travel through the Gulf, one person with knowledge told The Financial Times.

Read more: The Hill