Hormuz open ‘with conditions’: Iran allows passage except for ‘enemy-linked’ vessels

Tehran says ships not linked to its “enemies” can pass with coordination, even as war tensions continue to disrupt a key global oil route.

• Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz open, but with strict conditions
• Ships linked to Iran's "enemies" face restricted access
• Global oil and gas flows remain at risk amid ongoing tensions

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Global energy markets remain on edge as Iran signalled that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for oil and gas flows, will stay open, but only under strict conditions.

Tehran has said vessels not linked to what it calls its 'enemies' can continue to pass through the narrow waterway, even as tensions from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict continue to disrupt shipping activity.

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making any restriction, even partial, a direct risk to global energy flows and price stability.

What changed

Iran’s representative to the United Nations’ maritime agency, Ali Mousavi, said the strait remains accessible, provided ships coordinate security and safety arrangements with Tehran.

Ships associated with “Iran’s enemies”, however, are effectively barred, introducing a new layer of uncertainty for global shipping operators.

“Diplomacy remains Iran’s priority. However, a complete cessation of aggression as well as mutual trust and confidence are more important,” Mousavi said.

Why shipping remains disrupted

Despite the formal statement that the strait is open, traffic has not normalised.

Shipping through the corridor has been constrained due to:

1. Escalating conflict risk

Ongoing hostilities involving the U.S., Israel and Iran have raised fears of direct or indirect attacks on vessels.

2. Security uncertainty for operators

Shipowners remain cautious about entering a zone where access is conditional and tied to political alignment.

3. Threat of further retaliation

The situation intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iranian power plants could be targeted if the strait was not “fully open” within 48 hours.

Why this matters

Even a partial disruption in Hormuz has outsized consequences.

The waterway is a chokepoint for global crude and LNG shipments, particularly for Asian economies that rely heavily on Middle East energy supplies.

Restricted flows or prolonged uncertainty could:

tighten global oil supply

push up crude prices

increase volatility in energy markets

raise import costs for countries like India

What Iran is signalling

Mousavi said Iran is willing to work with the International Maritime Organisation to ensure maritime safety and protect seafarers.

At the same time, Tehran has framed the current disruption as a consequence of U.S. and Israeli actions, calling them the “root of the current situation” in the strait.

The message is clear: access to one of the world’s most critical shipping routes is now tied to geopolitical positioning.