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Iran says Strait of Hormuz open to all except 'enemies'

The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) fast-boats are pictured during naval exercises in the Gulf on April 22, 2010. (AFP Photo)
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The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) fast-boats are pictured during naval exercises in the Gulf on April 22, 2010. (AFP Photo)
March 22, 2026 11:49 AM GMT+03:00

Iran's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) stated on Sunday that foreign vessels can transit the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating security and safety arrangements with Iranian authorities.

He noted that Tehran is ready to cooperate with the IMO to improve maritime safety, signaling a conditional opening of the waterway as U.S. President Donald Trump's 48-hour ultimatum to power plants ticks toward its Monday deadline.

Iran's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ali Mousavi, speaking during an interview at an unspecified location. (Photo via Telegram/@mehrnews)
Iran's permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, Ali Mousavi, speaking during an interview at an unspecified location. (Photo via Telegram/@mehrnews)

Hormuz 'open to all except enemies', coordination required

Ali Mousavi, Iran's representative to the IMO and also Iran's envoy to the U.K., told the semi-official Mehr news agency that passage through the strait is possible with coordination on security and safety arrangements with Tehran.

"The Strait of Hormuz is only closed to Iran's enemies," Mousavi said, adding that vessel safety requires communication with Iranian authorities.

Mousavi said international obligations must be accompanied by respect for "Iran's territorial integrity and rights," and that Iran is ready to cooperate with the IMO and other countries to improve maritime safety and protect seafarers.

"Diplomacy remains Iran's priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important," Mousavi stated.

He added that U.S. and Israeli attacks against Iran were at the "root of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz."

A motorboat cruises along the shore off the town of Al Jeer on the Strait of Hormuz in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with a tanker seen in the background, Feb. 25, 2026. (AFP Photo)
A motorboat cruises along the shore off the town of Al Jeer on the Strait of Hormuz in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, with a tanker seen in the background, Feb. 25, 2026. (AFP Photo)

Trump's 48-hour ultimatum

The signals from Mousavi came as Trump's 48-hour ultimatum, issued Saturday night on Truth Social, remained active.

"If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" Trump wrote, setting a deadline of approximately 23:44 GMT on Monday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said Friday that Iran would show "zero restraint" if its infrastructure came under attack.

March 22, 2026 11:49 AM GMT+03:00
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