International

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

by Ashleigh Fields - 03/24/26 11:11 PM ET

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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.

Others have been landlocked as the conflict in the Middle East has compromised regional stability and slowed oil transport.

Iran has repeatedly stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and wrote in their letter that maritime traffic has not been suspended.

“Navigation continues, subject to compliance with the necessary measures referenced above and the realities arising from the ongoing conflict. It is further underscored that vessels, equipment, and any assets belonging to the aggressor parties—namely, the United States and the Israeli regime as well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage,” the letter says.

“Within the legal framework governing armed conflict, such assets will be addressed in accordance with the decisions and measures adopted by the competent authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” it continues.

Leaders in Tehran have called on international heads of state to condemn attacks on the Islamic Republic. Thus far, Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has been the most vocal Western ally to condemn the series of offensive strikes, describing them as a “breach” of international law.

“This war is also — and please bear with me when I say this, as someone directly involved — a politically disastrous mistake,” Steinmeier said in Tuesday‘s remarks.

“And that’s what frustrates me the most. A truly avoidable, unnecessary war, if its goal was to stop Iran from developing a nuclear weapon,” he added.

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