Iran ready to open Strait of Hormuz as some ships to stay blocked
The Iranian regime has blocked the Strait of Hormuz since March (illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Iran has announced that it is ready to allow free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for ships carrying "essential goods," while access for other vessels will remain restricted, CNN reports.
Iran's state news agency Tasnim published a document authored by Deputy for Commercial Development Houman Fathi, addressed to the head of the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization.
The document states that "permission is hereby granted for the transit of vessels carrying essential goods – especially basic commodities and livestock inputs" through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
The order applies exclusively to "vessels heading toward Iranian ports or currently operating in the region." Iran's executive bodies are required to take measures to facilitate the passage of these ships.
However, it remains unclear which goods Iran will classify as "essential" and whether ships from countries deemed hostile by Tehran will be allowed to transit with such cargo.
US intelligence believes that Iran is unlikely to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz in the near future, as control over this critical global oil route remains Tehran's primary leverage over the United States.
Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the war with the United States and Israel. Since then, global oil prices have surged as many vessels carrying "black gold" have been unable to pass through the strait.
