Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (14 March 2026) that the Strait of Hormuz is not completely closed. This route is closed only to US and Israeli ships and tankers, while ships of other countries are allowed to pass. In an interview, he said that the Strait of Hormuz is open, but the ships of countries which are attacking Iran or are its enemies will not be allowed to pass through this route. Ships from other countries can go through here normally.
However, the ground situation appears different. According to the report of Jerusalem Post, hundreds of ships are stranded in this sea route located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which includes many Indian ships. Iran’s Foreign Minister said that many ships are avoiding passing through this route due to security reasons. According to him, this decision is of the ship companies and is not directly related to Iran. He also said that many tankers and ships are still passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi:
The Strait of Hormuz is open.
It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies.
Others are free to pass.
Of course, many of them prefer not to because of their security… pic.twitter.com/GDlN5NpBpB
— Clash Report (@clashreport) March 14, 2026
US President Donald Trump’s warning
US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that if it obstructs the movement of ships, Iran’s oil infrastructure could be targeted. Trump had earlier also announced an attack on Iran’s important oil center Kharg Island. Trump also said that many countries can send their warships to keep this sea route open. He expressed hope that countries like China, France, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom can also send ships so that business and energy supply can continue.
Russia and China are Iran’s strategic partners
Abbas Araghchi also said that Russia and China are strategic partners of Iran and military cooperation with them is already ongoing. In fact, the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important sea routes in the world. It is located between Iran and Oman and its width at the narrowest point is about 33 kilometers. Every day, about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes through this route, so if this route is closed, it can have an impact on the oil market and economy of the entire world.
